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Post by scrappyunderdog on Apr 8, 2021 20:50:27 GMT -5
And I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that the play by Devers, where he almost turned a DP, was as good as it gets.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 1:53:16 GMT -5
Cora: Today's story? 'It's about Eduardo' E-Rod strikes out seven in first start since Sept. 29, 2019 April 8th, 2021
Eduardo Rodriguez felt chills course through him. His mind rushed back to his MLB debut from six years prior. He’d been calm during warmups, but in the final moments before Thursday’s start began, something changed.
“It’s not like, nervous,” Rodriguez said, “but I was just too excited to go out there.”
Can you blame him?
A day after turning 28, and 587 days after he last appeared on a big league mound, Rodriguez earned the win in a 7-3 victory over the Orioles. He tossed five solid innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out seven.
“I think today’s story is not about hitting or defense, or whatever,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “It’s about Eduardo.”
Last season, Rodriguez contracted COVID-19 shortly before Summer Camp and was later diagnosed with myocarditis, which forced him to miss the entire 2020 season. He then had to skip his first turn in the rotation this season due to left elbow inflammation (i.e. “dead arm”).
Rodriguez returned Thursday for his first outing since Sept. 29, 2019. He promised himself that results were secondary, and that making it back to the mound was what mattered. After his first pitch, the Red Sox gave him a standing ovation from the dugout and the bullpen to acknowledge his special achievement.
“What happened today is because of him,” Cora said. “He put the work [in], he put himself in this situation and it was very gratifying. We’re very happy for him.”
Rodriguez didn’t have his most electric stuff, with just 10 whiffs in 79 pitches. And the O’s touched him up for two home runs -- the first two homers allowed by Boston this season (snapping an MLB-best streak of 57 2/3 innings). But Rodriguez did spin seven strikeouts, including four in a six-batter span early on. He used his changeup 32 percent of the time, more than any other pitch, which was uncharacteristically high for the left-hander (his career changeup usage is 20.3 percent, per Statcast).
“That’s his pitch,” catcher Christian Vázquez said. “It’s tough to hit it, so we need to throw it. That changed everything.”
Rodriguez’s butterflies disappeared after that emotional first inning, and he settled in nicely. After working a 1-2-3 fifth, he sat in the dugout for good, with the Red Sox trailing 3-2. But they strung together three hits and a walk in the ensuing half-inning to jump in front by one, putting Rodriguez in line for the win.
His wife, Catherine, called right away. Rodriguez had to tell her he couldn’t talk yet, because the game was still going on.
“But she was really happy,” he said. “And I was happy that she was happy, too.”
J.D. Martinez stayed white-hot in the following inning by smacking a double to center, securing an extra-base hit in a seventh consecutive game to start the season. He’s the only Red Sox player to ever do that, and one of just five players to do so since at least 1901.
All that support helped Rodriguez move to 41-2 in games when Boston scores at least four runs.
Rodriguez is clearly an important player atop the Red Sox’s rotation. He finished sixth in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2019, leading the Majors in starts (34) and the team in wins (19), while posting a 3.81 ERA.
After his COVID-19 diagnosis, and the ensuing complications, Rodriguez was in line to make his comeback start on Opening Day last week. So much time had passed, and he was right to be eager.
When a bout of “dead arm” got in his way, Rodriguez adjusted. He dealt with the issue and made his return when the time was right. It was an impressive sign of maturity in the eyes of Cora.
“Obviously he’s not a selfish guy,” Cora said. “That conversation a week before Opening Day, obviously he wanted to start. But he knew that he wasn’t going to be able. It was a great conversation. He knows we’re here for a marathon. It’s not a sprint. This is a different guy compared to ’18 and early ’19. He gets it, and like I said, it was a great day for everyone.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 1:55:22 GMT -5
Notes: Cora living through Boston's offense Sale throws from 120 feet; Gonzalez slots in at short on Bogaerts' day off April 8th, 2021
Jordan Horrobin
In 3,825 plate appearances over 14 MLB seasons, Alex Cora spent plenty of time in a batter’s box. He saw and swung at his fair share of pitches, but Cora was never the most aggressive hitter. As a manager, he wants to see players take a more swing-happy approach than he did.
“I tell them, jokingly, that I live my offensive struggles through them,” Cora said before Thursday’s game against the Orioles. “Kind of like, whatever I wanted to do, but I wasn’t able to do; I love when they swing 3-0, I love when they swing 2-0. I didn’t do that. It’s kind of like my fantasy team, you know? Like, go ahead. It’s cool.”
If the Red Sox were in fact Cora’s fantasy team, he’d have put up a ton of points the past few games. After a sluggish start in their opening series against Baltimore (.448 OPS in three games), Boston churned out double-digit hits in three straight games against Tampa Bay.
In that series, which the Red Sox swept, they posted a team slash line of .339/.381/.522 against the reigning American League champs. Cora credited his group with jumping on pitchers early in counts.
“There’s value in that first pitch,” Cora said. “Guys like to get ahead. If you put a good swing on it, it’s an extra-base hit or you can shy him away from the strike zone. We’ll stay with the same approach, but we’ve got to stay in the middle of the field.”
No Red Sox hitter has hunted the first pitch more than third baseman Rafael Devers, who so far has swung at 61.9 percent of debut offerings he’s seen (MLB average is 27.9 percent). The results haven’t followed yet for Devers, who is just 2-for-19 (.105) with five strikeouts and zero extra-base hits. But the 24-year-old’s confidence hasn’t wavered.
“It’s early, there’s gonna be ups and downs, but I feel really good about where I’m at with my swing,” Devers said through translator Bryan Almonte.
Cora added that he doesn’t think Devers is “that far off” from breaking out. Since 2019, Devers ranks sixth in MLB in average exit velocity (92.4 mph) among players with at least 500 plate appearances.
Sale throwing from 120 feet Cora still isn’t able to provide a timeline for when Chris Sale (left UCL tear) will return to throwing on a mound. But Sale is throwing at 120 feet now, Cora said, as he continues working back from Tommy John surgery conducted in March 2020.
Sale is staying in Boston for the time being, and Cora noted how mutually beneficial it’s been having the seven-time All-Star around.
“Just to be around his teammates and talk baseball and just be part of the team,” Cora said. “That helps him a lot and hopefully that makes him better. It’s not that we want to push him, ‘Oh, you feel better. Now we’re gonna push you.’ But I know he’s very excited. We talked a little bit [before Wednesday’s game]. He’s feeling good about where he’s at.”
Sale will remain in Boston at least through the next homestand, which ends on April 25. As his rehab process ramps up, the team will reassess whether to move him to the Spring Training complex in Fort Myers, Fla.
Gonzalez solidified as backup shortstop With Xander Bogaerts receiving a scheduled day off on Thursday, Cora opted to slot Marwin Gonzalez in at shortstop. And the Red Sox's manager made it clear that that’s where Gonzalez will play, in the absence of Bogaerts, moving forward.
“I do believe that Marwin played good shortstop in Spring Training, although he hasn’t played much the past few years,” Cora said of Gonzalez, who has appeared at the position just once in the past two seasons. “But I saw it firsthand, and you saw that he made sound decisions.”
Enrique Hernández also has the ability to play short, but Cora said he’ll “most likely” use Hernández at second base when he needs to pencil him in on the infield.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:19:19 GMT -5
Sox bats ensure Eduardo Rodriguez’s long-awaited return is winning one in Baltimore By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 8, 2021, 6:17 p.m. 36
Just as Baltimore did to them last week at Fenway, the Red Sox spoiled the O’s home opener. Eduardo Rodriguez won his first major-league start in more than 18 months in the Sox’ 7-3 win Thursday.
The nerves, Rodriguez admitted, were present. After a shaky first inning, which included a two-run homer by the Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle, Rodriguez got some timely advice from friend and catcher, Christian Vázquez.
“ ‘Now you’re ready,’ ” Rodriguez recalled Vázquez telling him in the dugout. “ ‘Now you go out there and pitch.’ ”
He settled in, retiring eight straight and 13 of 14. Rodriguez surrendered a wind-aided homer to Pedro Severino in the fourth, but finished the game with seven strikeouts and no walks in five innings. He yielded just four hits.
“The home runs weren’t bad pitches,” manager Alex Cora said. “He found his rhythm. His cutter back-door, his changeup was good. He still feels that his sinker wasn’t where it usually is, but overall, it’s about competing and showing his teammates how good he is. And he did.”
Thursday marked the fourth straight game the Red Sox had at least 10 hits. Their 12 in this contest came against six Baltimore pitchers, and included five doubles and the first 2021 home runs for Rafael Devers and Kiké Hernández.
The Red Sox’ 2-5 hitters — Alex Verdugo, J.D. Martinez, Devers, and Vázquez — were 9 for 18, scoring six runs. Martinez went 2-for-5 with a double, becoming just the fifth player in MLB history to open a season with an extra-base hit in seven straight games.
The offensive output had much to do with the club getting to Baltimore’s bullpen. The Orioles came off a tough series with the Yankees, including an extra-inning contest Wednesday, in which the Baltimore relievers chucked 14⅔ innings in three contests.
Starter Matt Harvey’s stuff began to fade in the sixth, following a Devers single and a misplayed Vázquez popup by Mountcastle that ultimately was ruled a hit. The Orioles still held a 3-2 lead, but with Harvey out of the game for reliever Paul Fry, the Sox began to strike. Related: Abraham: Eduardo Rodriguez’s return about more than the victory
“We got to Harvey,” Vázquez explained. “It was a key. And we got to the bullpen. They’re tired. So it was our advantage.”
It was Boston’s fourth straight win, the franchise’s longest streak since Aug. 14-18, 2019. Much of the recent success, Vázquez said, is due to the club getting the first win out the way. It allowed the players to settle in after starting the season 0-3.
“We are more relaxed and playing with more confidence,” Vázquez said. “You know we broke the ice. Now we want to keep it going.”
Garrett Whitlock continued the superb start to his Red Sox career, fanning three in a pair of perfect innings relieving Rodriguez. Cora hinted at Whitlock’s confidence in moments of competition despite being taken from the Yankees’ Double A club in the Rule 5 draft this past winter.
“Rule 5 draft guys don’t shake off your catcher,” Cora said, “but he knows what he wants to do. And he does it. He’s been great for us.”
Said Vázquez: “He’s doing good, man, a great kid. Great stuff. Great fastball, plus changeup. I think he’s going to help us big time.” Related: Shaughnessy: Red Sox go worst to first? Great! Let’s see where they stand down the road
After Matt Andriese worked around a hit and a walk in the eighth, Matt Barnes struck out the side in the ninth on just 11 pitches.
The Sox will have an off day Friday before finishing up against the Orioles on Saturday and Sunday. Following a drab start, the club has found life in its first full week of the season.
“I know who I got behind me,” Rodriguez said. “These guys started hitting the ball all over the place and we won the game, which is what we’re here for.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:22:11 GMT -5
Eduardo Rodriguez’s return about more than the victory By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated April 8, 2021, 8:38 p.m.
BALTIMORE — Eduardo Rodriguez’s first pitch on Thursday afternoon was a fastball well outside the strike zone.
No matter. His Red Sox teammates jumped up in the dugout to applaud, as did the crew out in the bullpen.
It was the first meaningful pitch Rodriguez had thrown since Sept. 29, 2019. The lefthander missed the entire 2020 season after being diagnosed with myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle — following a bout with COVID-19.
Baseball was secondary at that point. Rodriguez was a 27-year-old with a wife and two small children. Doctors felt confident Rodriguez would recover, but acknowledged there was little history of myocarditis among professional athletes to back that up.
Had Rodriguez been lost to an elbow or shoulder injury, the medical staff would have known exactly what to do. This was new.
“My first question was how long is this going to take and when will I be available to go back there and be normal,” Rodriguez said.
So Rodriguez going five solid innings and getting the victory will be remembered as one of the best days of a career no longer on hold.
Rodriguez said the first inning brought back memories of his major league debut, and he felt chills throughout his body on a 67-degree day. But he went on to pitch five innings and got the win when the Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles, 7-3.
“Today’s story is not about hitting or defense or whatever. It’s about Eduardo,” manager Alex Cora said. “For him to compete out there and give us five strong innings, that was very gratifying — for the organization, for each individual here.”
Rodriguez allowed three runs on four hits and struck out seven without a walk. He allowed two runs in the first inning, then retired 13 of the final 14 batters he faced.
“It was a special day for us,” said Christian Vázquez, Rodriguez’s catcher and one of his best friends. “It means a lot for us to see our big guy on the mound.”
The Orioles had a 3-2 lead when Rodriguez left the game after throwing 79 pitches. His teammates picked him up with two runs in the sixth. Vázquez scored the go-ahead run.
The bullpen slammed the door from there, Garrett Whitlock, Matt Andriese, and Matt Barnes working four shutout innings and striking out seven.
That the Sox came back to win made it all the better, but Rodriguez was less focused on the results and more on the moment.
“No matter what happened today, I was going to enjoy this game,” he said.
When Rodriguez returned to the clubhouse after his outing, his wife Catherine called him to share his joy. That’s bending the rules a bit, but MLB will give them a pass.
“I told her, ‘Baby, I can’t talk right now because the game is going on,’ ” Rodriguez said. “But she was really happy, and I was happy that she was happy.”
Once the game ended, Cora said a few words to the team in appreciation of Rodriguez, and he received his second round of applause of the day.
Credit to Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini, too. The game was his first at Camden Yards since returning from colon cancer. As the pandemic sellout of 10,150 saluted Mancini with an extended ovation in the first inning, he turned and acknowledged Rodriguez.
Vázquez then tapped Mancini on the chest with his mitt. A great moment for all involved.
Rodriguez was supposed to start Opening Day, but was pushed back because of arm fatigue. Given the events of last season, the Sox weren’t going to take any chances by pushing him in his start.
Rodriguez has promised Cora he’ll be honest about how he feels. There could be times an extra day between starts makes sense.
“His body is going to let us know,” Cora said.
Emotions aside, Rodriguez getting back on the mound is important for the Sox. They are 47-12 in his starts (including postseason) since 2018, with Rodriguez posting a 33-11 record and 3.83 earned run average.
If Rodriguez can regain the form he showed in 2018, it gives the Sox a far more competitive rotation.
That’s for the coming months to decide. For now, it was enough to see him back on the mound.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:24:01 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook Rafael Devers has made himself feel at home at Camden Yards By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 8, 2021, 8:47 p.m.
Rafael Devers enjoys hitting at Camden Yards. Devers had nine homers there heading into Thursday afternoon’s opening series matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, behind the Toronto Blue Jays’ Rogers Centre for the most homers out of any opposing ballpark.
“He’s such a good player,” manager Alex Cora said before the Sox scored a 7-3 win. “And we’ll keep working with him. I know he likes hitting here. So hopefully he can pop one out and just get rolling.”
In Devers’s first at-bat, he made it 10 homers at Camden Yards, belting a two-run shot off Orioles starter Matt Harvey for his first home run of the season. Devers had two hits in his first 21 plate appearances prior to Thursday, but has taken better swings as of late.
So, the early lull — which is typical of Devers at the start of the year — wasn’t a lingering concern for the Sox.
“It’s only been five games and I’m continuing to go out there and work and try to do my best, because I know the type of player that I am,” Dever said before the game. “Like I always tell you guys, it’s early and there’s going to be ups and downs, but I feel really good about where I’m at [with] my swing.”
At times, Devers’s plate discipline can waver.An example came in his second at-bat, when Harvey got him to chase on a slider in the dirt. Devers, though, who continues to work on controlling the strike zone, has not given up too much of who he is: a hitter capable of getting to pitches off the plate and squaring them up.
For the last two seasons, Devers has hit in the No. 2 spot, but so far this year he has hit fifth in the lineup. Devers didn’t predict it would impact his approach.
“I’m just here to contribute anywhere that I can,” he said. “Obviously, I batted second and I’ve enjoyed that. But at the same time, I’m just glad that I can play every day. Like I’m just trying to help the team win. And it doesn’t change my approach whatsoever. No matter what, no matter where in the order I’m at. I’m going to give the best that I can.”
Devers started a rally in the sixth when he laced a single to left-center off Harvey. He finished the day 2 for 3 with a walk, two RBIs and two runs scored.
“When he starts controlling the zone, good things happen,” Cora said. Vázquez stays hot
Christian Vázquez continued his hot streak vs. the Orioles, finishing 3 for 5 with two doubles and a single. Vázquez is coming off a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays where he hit .417 with two homers.
It included a game-tying solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 6-5 victory in extra innings on Tuesday night. Vázquez established himself as a hitter in the big leagues during the 2019 season when he hit .276/.320/.477 with 23 homers.
A proven catcher, does Vázquez think he’s situated himself as one of the best all-around catchers in the league?
“Yes,” said a smiling Vázquez. “Three times.” Bogaerts rests
Xander Bogaerts got an off day Thursday and Marwin Gonzalez took his place, playing shortstop for the first time since 2019. Gonzalez committed one error in the first on a Maikel Franco grounder . . . Lefthanded starter Chris Sale continues to go through his progression and is out to a 120-foot throwing program . . . The Red Sox have five Taxi Squad players on this road trip: infielder Michael Chavis, reliever Colten Brewer, catcher Chris Hermann, outfielder César Puello, and pitcher Ryan Weber . . . Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh threw out the first pitch at Camden Yards. Walsh, who served as Boston Mayor from Jan. 2014 to March 2021, now serves in the Cabinet of President Joe Biden as US Secretary of Labor . . . Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini, who sat out last year’s pandemic-shortened season battling colon cancer, was treated to a warm ovation from the crowd and Red Sox players, coaches, and staff members when he was introduced during the pregame ceremony and again when he stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat. “I’m really happy for him,” Devers said. “We all know the battle that he went through. And to be back on the field, that’s just great to see.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:26:48 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 9h This is the first time in #RedSox history they've started 0-3 and won their next four games.
Boston has been 0-3 in 20 different seasons. Rallied to 3-3 in 1951 and dropped its next game.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:28:46 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 8h Replying to @billkoch25 Cora on Rodriguez -- 'He found his rhythm -- his cutter backdoor, his changeup was good.'
'Overall it was about competing and showing his teammates how good he is.' #RedSox
Cora said the at-bat of the day was the grounder by Christian Arroyo in the 6th. Behind in the count, made contact, drove in a run to tie the game at 3-3.
Franchy Cordero followed with a single to drive in the winning run. #RedSox
Cora on Garrett Whitlock -- 'You see it and you're like, 'Wow, he belongs.''
'Most times Rule 5 guys don't shake off the catcher, but he does.' #RedSox
Alex Cora -- 'Today's story is not about hitting or defense or whatever -- it's about Eduardo.'
'That was very gratifying.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:29:56 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 9h Matt Barnes has never lacked for stuff, but this season early he looks like a guy who really believes it. Getting ahead, attacking, putting hitters on the defensive. #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:31:23 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 8h Christian Vazquez -- 'We congratulated (Eduardo Rodriguez) after the game. It was a special day for us.'
'For us to see our big guy on the mound, it's special.'
'We're very happy to see him back.' #RedSox
Vazquez -- 'They played extra innings last night. Their bullpen was tired. We got to Harvey quick and that's a key.' #RedSox
Vazquez, asked if he feels like he's established himself as one of the best all-around catchers in the league -- 'Yes. Three times.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:33:09 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 8h Rodriguez said Cora gave a postgame speech in the clubhouse congratulating him on his return. Teammates gave him a round of applause. #RedSox
Rodriguez on working with Christian Vazquez again -- 'He came to me after that 1st inning and told me, 'Bro, that's it. Now you're ready.'' #RedSox
Eduardo Rodriguez -- 'It was special. When I went out there in the first inning it felt like my first start in the big leagues.'
'After that I got into the game and kept the game like it was.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:38:34 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 8h Christian Vazquez on Garrett Whitlock: "He's going to help us big-time."
Alex Cora said a few words to the team after the game and Eduardo Rodriguez got an ovation from his teammates.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:40:51 GMT -5
Takeaways from the red-hot Red Sox' 4th win in a rowBy Rob Bradford 9 hours ago Like many have been asking over the past few days, the Orioles were probably wondering who these guys were? Certainly the collection of players running around the bases at Camden Yards Thursday afternoon couldn't have been the group formerly known as the 2021 Red Sox. The last time Baltimore pitted the best version of itself against that group, the result was a three-game sweep. Now? Well, they are a different bunch of Red Sox. For the fourth straight game, Alex Cora's club enacted its will on the opposition, this time spoiling the Orioles home-opener thanks to a 7-3 Red Sox win. Like the previous four Red Sox wins, there was a lot to pick through. So ... - First and foremost, Eduardo Rodriguez returned. The line -- 5 innings, 3 runs, 4 hits, 7 strikeouts, no walks -- wasn't eye-popping, but it was certainly good enough. The lefty's stuff was also good enough, with his fastball maxing out at 93 mph and a changeup he threw more than any other offering (25). Most importantly, he pitched and looked the part. - The guy who came in after him, Rule 5 draft pick Garrett Whitlock, continued to hint at becoming a legitimate weapon. While his fastball touches 96 mph, it's his changeup -- taught to him by Matt Andriese this spring training -- that is emerging as a lethal pitch. 'I really have to thank Matt Andriese for helping me with my changeup. He has been pivotal in my changeup progression. ... I have to give him all the credit for my changeup.' - Garrett Whitlock t.co/SrWFHb91EI — Rob Bradford (@bradfo) April 6, 2021 Holy hell this CH from Garrett Whitlock pic.twitter.com/YU3v9OeP3i — Alex Fast (@alexfast8) April 8, 2021 Whitlock finished his perfect two innings striking out three, giving him eight in 5 1/3 innings. - There weren't a lot of boxes to still check off for the Red Sox after the previous three games, but getting Rafael Devers' bat going was certainly one of them. Sure enough ... box checked. Devers hit a ball 452 feet in the first inning for the Red Sox' first two runs and the third baseman's initial long ball of the season. He added another hit, boosting his average 77 points. There’s plenty of things in Boston sports to worry about. Rafael Devers has never been one of them. pic.twitter.com/Kz6Ap8MqJC — #HonkHonk (@coleymick) April 8, 2021 - Christian Vazquez can't be stopped right now, collecting three more hits to place his batting average to .458. - Marwin Gonzalez drew a key walk in the Red Sox' pivotal two-run sixth inning and came away with a run-scoring single the following frame, but Cora might want to rethink the alignment of having the utility man at shortstop with both Kiké Hernandez and Christian Arroyo viable options. After flawlessly playing his previous four positions, Gonzalez looked a little shaky at shortstop. Marwin González makes up for his baserunning blunder with an RBI single into LF. Whenever someone on this team makes a mistake, it feels like they find a way to make you forget about it. #RedSox push their lead to 6-3. #DirtyWater | #MLB pic.twitter.com/Gtaqy4ZuuM — Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) April 8, 2021 - Franchy Cordero managed just one hit, but it was a bit one. With the score tied at 3-3 in the sixth inning, the lefty hitter went the opposite way once again for a go-ahead single. All but one of Cordero's five hits this season have been to the opposite field. - J.D. Martinez hasn't stopped hitting, or driving in runs. After his run-scoring double in the seventh inning, the designated hitter has now driven in runs in each of his first seven games, a team record. He has 12 RBI in total. - Matt Barnes finished things off by striking out the side in the ninth inning. He has now gone four innings without allowing a hit and fanning nine.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:43:15 GMT -5
Red Sox Notebook: Rafael Devers looks to heat up after smashing first home run of 2021
By Steve Hewitt | stephen.hewitt@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: April 8, 2021 at 9:07 p.m. | UPDATED: April 8, 2021 at 9:40 p.m.
Before Thursday’s road opener against the Orioles, Alex Cora seemed to have a feeling about Rafael Devers, who hadn’t homered yet through the first week of the season.
“I know he likes hitting here, so hopefully he can pop one out and just get rolling,” Cora said.
Devers must have heard him, because he immediately obliged. With a runner on in the first inning, the third baseman was all over a fastball middle in from Matt Harvey and destroyed it to center field, a 452-foot blast that gave the Red Sox an early 2-0 lead of their eventual 7-3 win over the Orioles.
Cora declined to take credit for speaking the homer into existence, but given the approach he’s seen Devers make at the plate in recent games, he wasn’t surprised.
“He’s been hitting the ball hard,” Cora said. “That walk yesterday. When he starts controlling the zone, good things happen. That was a good swing. He actually missed another one, the changeup on the second at-bat, but we know what he can do.”
The manager hopes it can get Devers going. Notoriously a slow starter at the beginning of every season, that hadn’t changed for him this year as he collected just two hits in 19 at-bats in the Red Sox’ opening six-game homestand. But after a 2-for-3 day in Thursday’s win, Devers will look to continue that momentum this weekend.
Devers seemed confident that the results would come despite the slow start.
“I feel good,” Devers said before the game. “Obviously I’m not worried about how I started off this season. It’s only been six games and I have continued to go out there and work and do my best because I know the type of player I am. Like I always tell you guys, it’s early and there are going to be ups and downs, but I feel really good about where I’m at with my swing, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Whitlock dominates again
It seems like the Red Sox have found a gem in Garrett Whitlock.
After 3⅓ shutout innings in his major-league debut last weekend, the right-hander shut down the Orioles again in Thursday’s win, pitching two scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh innings. It says a lot about the trust Cora has in his new weapon out of the bullpen that he trusted him to come into the game as the Red Sox protected a one-run lead.
“You see it, and it’s like, ‘Wow, he belongs,’” Cora said. “The tempo. The conviction. Most of the time, Rule 5 guys don’t shake off your catcher, but he knows what he wants to do and he does. He shakes him off and goes to the pitch he feels is right in that situation. He’s been great for us.
“We still have to be careful. This is not what he’s used to, but we do believe his stuff will play. This is the second time they’ve seen him, and you saw the swings. We’re comfortable with him. That was a situation where we’re down, get the lead, he was hot, so why not? We needed him, and he did an outstanding job.”
After never pitching above Double-A before this season, Whitlock has started his big-league career with 5⅓ shutout innings. He’s allowed no runs, just three hits and struck out eight while walking none.
“He’s doing good,” catcher Christian Vazquez said. “Great kid. He’s got great stuff, heavy fastball, plus changeup. He’s doing good. I think he’s going to help us big-time.”
Barnes continues hot start
Matt Barnes was strong again with a shutout ninth inning to close out Thursday’s win, as he nearly produced an immaculate inning. In three appearances, the veteran has pitched four shutout innings with nine strikeouts and one walk.
“That was amazing, right?” Cora said of Barnes’ performance on Thursday. “Just throwing a lot of strikes. Velocity, I do believe this is his best fastball at least of the last three years. The carry .. it’s not only up in the zone, it’s actually through the zone and down. The breaking ball is good. He was one pitch away from whatever you guys call it, but we’re very happy with him. He has matured a lot. He’s going to be a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish.” …
With his RBI double in the seventh, J.D. Martinez became the fifth player in major league history to hit an extra-base hit in each of his team’s first seven games. He joined Ken Griffey Jr., Larry Walker, Phil Nevin and Alex Rodriguez on the list. … Former Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, who is now the U.S. secretary of labor, was one of the people throw out the first pitch at Camden Yards.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 9, 2021 2:44:31 GMT -5
Red Sox Notes @soxnotes · 9h Who’s your Red Sox MVP of the first 7 games?
Christian Vázquez: .458 AVG (11-for-24), 2 HR, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 1.333 OPS, game-tying 9th-inning HR vs. TB
J.D. Martinez: .433 AVG (13-for-30), 2 HR, 7 2B, 12 RBI, 1.335 OPS, at least 1 XBH in 7 straight games
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