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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox had no answers for Zack Wheeler on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Wheeler was dominant through the first six innings, Boston did not find any real rhythm until it was too late, and the Sox fell 2-1 to drop to 17-24.

It was another night that exposed the core problem with this roster. The Red Sox have scored only 57 runs in 20 home games. They have hit the fewest home runs in the American League.

Across the field, Kyle Schwarber offered a reminder of what Boston does not have.

He needed one swing to change the game.

What Schwarber Did at Fenway

Schwarber led off the game against Red Sox opener Jovani Morán, fell behind in the count, and then did what he has done in five straight games.

He left the yard.

The solo homer was Schwarber’s 17th of the season. He now leads the league. It was also his fifth straight game with a home run.

Over 27 appearances at Fenway Park, Schwarber carries a .344 average, a .470 on-base percentage, and a .667 slugging percentage, with seven home runs. His OPS in the ballpark ranks fifth all-time among qualified hitters.

Asked about his history at Fenway after the game, Schwarber did not overthink it.

“I feel I’ve always kind of just had an eye for the park,” he said.

The Red Sox Had Their Chance

Schwarber spent time with the Red Sox in 2021 after arriving at the trade deadline from Washington. He hit at a spectacular clip down the stretch, launching a grand slam against Houston in the ALCS. The fit was obvious to almost everyone watching.

The Red Sox were outbid that winter. The Phillies got him on a four-year, $79 million deal before the 2022 season, and Schwarber spent the next four years becoming one of the most reliable power bats in baseball.

After the 2025 season, Schwarber hit free agency again.

Craig Breslow had publicly identified power as Boston’s biggest lineup need. Schwarber had made no secret of his enjoyment of playing in Boston. He said he took free agency seriously and did not close any doors too early.

The Red Sox never made an offer. Schwarber confirmed as much Tuesday.

The Sox’ pursuit, he said, “kind of just started and ended with the conversation.”

Schwarber signed back with Philadelphia on a five-year, $150 million deal. Now he is sitting on 17 home runs before mid-May. The Red Sox have 29 as a team.

GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 31: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Final Word for the Red Sox

The Red Sox still have reasons to believe this offense can get better. Roman Anthony is working his way toward a return. Abreu and Contreras have been bright sparks. There are pieces here that can change the look of the lineup.

But Tuesday night showed why the power question has not gone away.

Schwarber was not the only answer Boston could have pursued. He was not going to fix every issue by himself. But he represented the type of hitter the Red Sox knew they needed, and he showed exactly why with one swing at Fenway.

That is the part that lingered after the loss.