The Red Sox are in the midst of a playoff race and cannot afford to blow games to inferior foes like Baltimore. Thursday’s decision loomed especially large since Cowser fired a poor throw to the plate that likely would have allowed Eaton to score to tie the game.

Cora made good on that final promise on Monday night, as Lowe came in to pinch-hit in the ninth inning against Baltimore Orioles closer Yennier Cano. He drew a seven-pitch walk and scored on a Jarren Duran double, but Boston still lost 6-3.