BOSTON — The Chicago White Sox were shut out 4-0 by the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday at Fenway Park, marking the eighth time this season the White Sox have been held scoreless. The loss is the second in a three-game series, which has seen the White Sox outscored 18-2 through the first two games.

Starting pitcher Sean Burke, a native of Sutton, Massachusetts, pitched 4⅓ innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four and walking two. Burke, making only his second career start at Fenway Park, struggled with command, particularly with his breaking pitches. He recorded key outs in the fourth inning to strand a runner on third base but was ultimately removed after issuing a one-out walk in the fifth. Burke threw 91 pitches in total.

“It’s definitely cool pitching close to home,” Burke said, reflecting on the opportunity for family and friends to watch him play. “For me not to have my best stuff tonight sucks.”

The Red Sox took the lead in the first inning against Burke. With two outs, Wilyer Abreu reached on a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a hit by Willson Contreras. Abreu added a solo home run in the third inning to extend Boston’s lead to 2-0.

Red Sox starter Sonny Gray was in control throughout his six innings on the mound. The right-hander allowed just three hits while striking out eight and walking two, throwing a variety of pitches that effectively kept the White Sox off balance. White Sox manager Will Venable noted that Gray’s spin and pitch selection, particularly against left-handed batters, made it difficult for his team to generate offense.

Gray’s dominance limited Chicago to only four hits, two of which came from Miguel Vargas. The White Sox’s most promising scoring opportunity occurred in the third inning when Sam Antonacci was hit by a pitch and advanced to third base with two outs. However, a close play at the plate resulted in Antonacci being thrown out, ending the threat.

Antonacci reflected on the aggressive decision to attempt scoring on that play, acknowledging the presence of a skilled first baseman on the Red Sox that influenced the outcome.

Despite the loss, the White Sox (59-54) maintained a three-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians (57-58) in the American League Central. The Guardians fell 6-5 to the New York Mets in a 10-inning contest on Wednesday.

The series continues with a final game at Fenway Park, as the White Sox aim to avoid being swept and look to regain offensive momentum.