Connelly Early ties Red Sox record with 11 strikeouts in 5 shutout innings during MLB debut vs A's

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Late night, Early show.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early struck out 11 in five shutout innings to match a franchise record during his major league debut Tuesday night against the Athletics.

“Pretty sick performance,” teammate Romy Gonzalez said. “It was fun to watch.”

The only other Red Sox starter to rack up 11 strikeouts in his first career game was Don Aase versus Milwaukee on July 26, 1977.

“It was amazing, just to go out there and have that first opportunity,” Early said after getting the win in a 6-0 victory. “A long day of travel yesterday and just getting to the field, seeing all the guys, seeing guys that you don’t even imagine being next to most of the time. So it was amazing and just a bunch of joy.”

Early was called up from Triple-A Worcester to start Tuesday after Dustin May went on the injured list with elbow issues.

Boston manager Alex Cora said Early’s composure stood out the most.

“Since he got here, under control during the meetings, in the clubhouse, in the training room. He was prepared, too, which was eye-opening,” Cora said. “He did his own homework, went through it with the coaching staff, and he executed. There was some traffic there, but he never panicked and gave us five, and that was good enough.”

The 23-year-old lefty from Virginia, who allowed five hits and a walk, fanned rookie slugger Nick Kurtz in the opening inning for his first big league strikeout. Early struck out the side in order in the second and whiffed three batters again in the fourth, leaving the bases loaded when he got Darell Hernaiz with a slider and Lawrence Butler on a sinker.

“I think we just did a good job at keeping a constant mix,” said Early, who threw 61 of his 90 pitches for strikes. “I was able to get some swing and misses down at the bottom of the zone on secondary pitches, and I think we did a really good job, especially making some big-time pitches when runners were on.”

With his family in the stands, Early had two strikeouts in the third and two more in the fifth.

“They’ve been with me every step of the way,” Early said. “Just being able to have them here is amazing and have them see me go out there and take that mound and, I mean, I know that they probably have a bunch of feelings about it and everything — and were definitely fired up at some spots. So, it’s great to have them here and I’m really looking forward to seeing them.”

Early was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 amateur draft and was Boston's sixth-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He became the third Red Sox starting pitcher to make his MLB debut this season, joining Hunter Dobbins and Payton Tolle.

“When they get here they’re ready to go, and they have contributed,” Cora said.

Early was 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings for Worcester this season. He went 7-2 with a 2.51 ERA for Double-A Portland, with 96 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings.

In his first big league game, he was handed a 5-0 lead in the second inning.

“Having those two homers from our offense in the first inning is great, and just trying to stay moving in the dugout, stay as warm as possible and be ready to go from pitch one,” Early said. “When you get a lead like that, 4-0 after the first, you’re trying to just step on them and keep attacking.”

May, acquired from the Dodgers at the end of July, was placed on the IL, retroactive to Sunday, with right elbow neuritis. May went 1-4 in five starts and one relief appearance with Boston. He has a 5.40 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings with the Red Sox.

With the Dodgers, the 28-year-old right-hander was 6-7 with a 4.85 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 104 innings.

Also, the Red Sox recalled infielder Vaughn Grissom from Triple-A and placed him on the 60-day injured list with plantar fasciitis.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early throws to an Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game as he make his MLB Debut, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early throws to an Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game as he make his MLB Debut, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early throws to an Athletics batter during the third inning of a baseball game as he makes his MLB Debut, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early reacts after the final out of the third inning of a baseball game as he makes his MLB Debut against the Athletics, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early throws to an Athletics batter during the third inning of a baseball game as he makes his MLB Debut, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Boston Red Sox pitcher Dustin May throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

HANOI, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 18, 2025--

Global technology corporation FPT today announced an exclusive partnership with FutureTEC, a leading regional IT solutions provider, to deliver advanced technology solutions across Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies will combine FPT’s global delivery capabilities and innovation leadership with FutureTEC’s strong regional market presence, client trust, and operational excellence, enabling enterprises and government organizations in these markets to achieve sustainable growth and digital transformation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251117607042/en/

The agreement designates FutureTEC as FPT’s exclusive partner in the region for selected service areas, while FPT provides comprehensive delivery capabilities to support FutureTEC’s client engagements and multi-year growth targets. The collaboration spans six core technology domains: Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud and Platforms, No/Low-Code Platforms, Hyperautomation (including RPA), Digital Customer Experience, and Strategy Consulting. It also targets a wide range of key regional industries, including Government, Oil & Gas, Banking & Financial Services (BFSI), Aviation, and Healthcare.

Phuong Dang, FPT Software Senior Executive Vice President and FPT Americas Chief Executive Officer, FPT Corporation, said: “FPT is actively embracing an AI-first strategy to shape the digital future through intelligence, scale, speed, and expertise — a direction that closely aligns with the Middle East’s growing focus on AI innovation. Since entering the region in 2020, we’ve witnessed its immense potential, and by combining our global reach and AI-powered solutions with FutureTEC’s local insights, we are confident that we can turn global innovation and expertise into regional success.”

Feras Al-Oqlah, CEO of FutureTEC, added: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in FutureTEC’s growth journey. By combining our deep regional expertise and trusted relationships across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain with FPT’s global delivery excellence and innovation capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to deliver next-generation digital solutions that drive business value, resilience, and sustainable transformation for our clients.”

Since establishing its first office in the Middle East in 2020, FPT has rapidly expanded its footprint, securing key clients across multiple sectors and driving significant regional growth. The company recently obtained the Regional Headquarters license for its operations in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, becoming the first Vietnam-based enterprise authorized for regional operations in the kingdom.

FPT’s AI-first approach, embedded across all services and solutions, aligns with the Middle East’s agenda for digital innovation, smart cities, and technology-driven economic diversification. Leveraging its global expertise, the tech firm is well-positioned to accelerate digital transformation, support the region’s ambitious development goals, and foster strong collaborations with local partners to create sustainable, long-term impact.

About FPT

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam’s position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. FPT focuses on three critical transformations: Digital Transformation, Intelligence Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com

About FutureTEC

Founded in 2005, FutureTEC is a leading regional IT solutions provider operating across Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The company delivers end-to-end technology solutions and services spanning Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & Cloud, and Data & AI. Through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, FutureTEC empowers enterprises and government organizations to achieve operational excellence, digital resilience, and sustainable growth. With two decades of proven expertise and a commitment to innovation, FutureTEC continues to play a key role in advancing digital transformation across the region. www.futuretec.me

FPT and FutureTEC Forge Exclusive Partnership for Middle East Digital Growth