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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 2:57:01 GMT -5
Red Sox 4, Rays 3: Back in the win column
And Trevor Story really should get the save. By Matt_Collins@MattRyCollins Apr 22, 2022, 10:36pm EDT 7 Comments
There are still some issues with the Red Sox that need to be worked out, most notably with the offense scoring the number of runs they should. If we’re being honest, they should have scored more than four runs in this game, getting 11 hits through five innings and having a real chance to take control of this game. Instead, they only scored four and then shut down the rest of the way. That’s the bad news. The good news is they still won the game because Michael Wacha held the non-Wander Franco Rays in check, and the bullpen was again able to hold a long lead, with some help from the defense and more specifically Trevor Story. So improvement is still required, but we’ll take the wins where we can get them.
More robust game notes below.
With the Red Sox offense in a bad way heading into this weekend’s three-game set against the Rays, it couldn’t be a bad thing that they were at least heading down south and into a climate controlled environment after spending the first few series of the year in cold weather environments. Whatever the reason, they did come out swinging against Corey Kluber and the Rays on Friday, getting on the board right away in the top half of the first.
With Trevor Story leading off for the second day in a row, and for the first time with Enrique Hernández also in the lineup, and he did start off this game getting on base with a single. He’d move over to third a couple batters later on a Xander Bogaerts single, before Alex Verdugo gave Boston their third single of the inning, and second relatively weak one, to take an early 1-0 lead. Hernández followed up with one of his own as well, laced into left field and bringing home Bogaerts. After going eight innings without a run the day before, the Red Sox followed up their two-run ninth on Thursday with a two-run first on Friday to take the early 2-0 lead.
On the other end, the Red Sox were looking to Michael Wacha, who signed with Boston this winter after pitching for the Rays last summer, and who has had a nice start to this season for the Red Sox. He had a really nice start this time around as well, at least if you take Wander Franco out of the equation. The Rays star shortstop — who honestly might already be the best player in the division at 21 years old — hit a pair of solo home runs against Wacha, both of which were rockets. The first, in the first inning, came on a first-pitch fastball at the top of the zone that Franco hit 109.7 mph for a solo homer. He’d get another one in the fifth, this time on a cutter that broke onto the inside corner and Franco turned it around at 112.4 mph for a line drive home run.
Aside from the two rocket home runs from the phenom shortstop, though, Wacha was once again really effective. His changeup continued to impress in this game and he threw it just about as much as his fastball, and he only allowed one more hit aside from the home runs in his five innings of work. The peripherals weren’t kind in this one with three strikeouts and two walks to go along with the pair of homers, but the veteran has now allowed only three runs in three starts spanning 14 1⁄3 innings.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense continued to pile up hits, although there still were some frustrating wasted opportunities. Still, they got back on the board right away in the third thanks to Rafael Devers, who is pretty high up there in the division player rankings as it is. Kluber threw him a cutter that stayed in the zone down and in, and Devers went down and got it, sending it way out to right field for a solo shot, making it a 3-1 game. Bogaerts followed that up with a double, his second hit of the game, and soon came home on a base hit from Hernández to make it a 4-1 game.
They’d get another runner on base with only one out, too, but Bobby Dalbec and Travis Shaw continued their respective rough starts to keep the runners on base. It was a similar story in the fifth, too, when they kicked off the inning with back-to-back singles. Hernández then hit into a costly double play, but after a walk there were runners on the corners for Dalbec. He had a rough at bat, swinging at strike one way out of the zone before getting a hittable pitch over the plate but weakly grounding out to leave the runners and end the inning.
So it was only a two-run game heading into the bottom of the sixth despite the Red Sox having an 11-3 edge in the hit column, and Austin Davis was on the mound. The lefty has looked sharper this year with his stuff, as noted by Mike Monaco on the NESN broadcast, and he had no issues in a 1-2-3 inning, with some help on an outfield assist from Alex Verdugo.
It was still 4-2 in the seventh, with Matt Strahm coming in looking to continue what has been an impressive start to the season for him. He had a bit of a tougher time this outing, with former Red Sox prospect Manuel Margot leading off the inning with a base hit. A couple batters later, Mike Zunino hit a grounder in the hole on the left side. Bogaerts got to the ball, but tried to make an impossible throw from the hole that ended up bouncing by Dalbec at first, allowing the runner to get to third. Brandon Lowe then hit what would typically be a double play ball to the right side, but with the Red Sox in the shift there was no one covering second. They only had the out at first available, and the Rays brought another run home to cut the Red Sox lead to one. Hansel Robles came in after that and retired Franco to end the inning, but this was a game with two innings to go.
The Red Sox had nothing in the top of the eighth, going down in order, bringing Robles back out for the bottom half. He had to work in the first at bat with Randy Arozarena working a full count and then hitting a moonshot foul ball that was reviewed. The foul call was upheld, Robles came back with a strikeout, and ultimately retired the side in order.
After another quick inning from the offense in the top of the ninth, Jake Diekman got the call for the bottom half trying to lock up this victory. We’ve seen some good stuff from the lefty so far this season, but in this game we got a glimpse of the control issues as he walked each of the first two batters he faced. With two on, Harold Ramirez ripped one to the right side, but Story made a really slick stab and got the first out at second base, putting runners on the corners with one out in a one-run game.
After a third walk loaded the bases, Diekman came back with a huge strikeout against Brandon Lowe, leaving it all up to — who else? — Wander Franco. Will Venable, in the managerial chair in this one for Alex Cora, decided to go to Matt Barnes for this at bat. I’m not sure you can say he won the battle as Franco hit one hard in the hole on the right side, but Story made his second big play of the inning, this time for the final out of the game to save a 4-3 win.
The Red Sox now look to clinch this series on Saturday, with Garrett Whitlock taking on a pitcher yet to be named for the Rays. First pitch is set for 6:10 PM ET.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:04:57 GMT -5
Key to win? 'Defense, defense, defense' Story's final play caps stellar all-around effort in series opener vs. Rays 1:52 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
ST. PETERSBURG -- As Trevor Story joyfully ran to the clubhouse after the Red Sox’s thrilling and stressful 4-3 victory over the Rays on Friday night at Tropicana Field, he sounded like a basketball fan trying to will his team to a key stop in crunch time.
“Defense, defense, defense,” chanted Story.
Only on this occasion, Story was talking about the timely stops that the Red Sox got on a night they needed each one of them to win.
In fact, it was Story who was the defender of the game.
A career shortstop who made the transition to second base after signing with the Red Sox in March, Story is looking like a force at his new defensive home. And never was that more evident than in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game hanging in the balance.
The young and brilliant Wander Franco, who had already tormented the Red Sox with two homers and a spectacular catch down the left-field line in the sixth, was coming up with the bases loaded and two outs, his Rays down just a run.
Matt Barnes got the challenge of coming out of the bullpen to face Franco in that highly pressurized situation. Franco attacked the third pitch of the at-bat, an 82.2 mph curveball.
For the fourth time in the game, Franco spanked the ball at a triple-digit exit velocity. But Story refused to let it get by him. He raced to his left into shallow right field, slid to field the ball and fired to first to end it.
“I felt like I had a good bead on it the entire time,” said Story. “Just a matter of if I was going to dive or slide. Franco can run. The slide and the popup was the quicker way to do it.”
The fact that Story is off to a slow start at the plate (.231/.286/.282, no homers) made his big defensive game even sweeter.
“Obviously, pretty fired up,” said Story. “I’m not swinging the bat like I want to, so I’m trying to find ways to help the team, and defense is another way.”
With Jake Diekman in trouble to start the ninth after back-to-back walks, Harold Ramirez belted one to Story’s left. In a pure reaction play, Story swiftly dived and made the stop, feeding double-play partner Xander Bogaerts at second for a pivotal forceout.
“He took over the ninth inning,” Bogaerts said of Story. “I’m not even worried about him not hitting. He’s going to hit. He’s just making these spectacular plays right now with his defense and his range -- everything. He’s got it all locked down now. He’s going to hit. Trevor Story is going to hit.”
The first in Story’s trifecta of great plays took place in the fourth inning, when he ranged up the middle and made a diving catch on Manuel Margot’s lineout.
“He did a great job. Obviously, the athleticism showed up,” said Red Sox acting manager Will Venable. “He made some huge plays, bailed us out of some spots, and it was just a great, great defensive performance by Story.”
But Story wasn’t the only story defensively for the Red Sox.
The most breathtaking play was made by Bogaerts, who got maximum air time to snag a 110.7 mph liner by Yandy Díaz for the third out in the third inning, stranding two baserunners.
“The situation, too, was big, because they had some guys on base, he smoked that ball. It caught my glove,” said Bogaerts. “I just jumped up, and if it’s in, it’s in. I thought that dude was going to the wall on a double, but I got it. It’s a really nice catch.”
It was also satisfying for Story, who made a throwing error earlier in the inning to help create the jam starting pitcher Michael Wacha had to wriggle out of.
“Incredible. He’s the man. He bailed me out because that was the inning I had the throwing error,” said Story. “I was kicking myself for that. He picked me up huge right there, and that’s why he’s Bogey.”
Add in outfield assists by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Alex Verdugo, and this was a night the Red Sox won because of defense, even though they made three errors.
Defense was a weakness for the Red Sox last season, but they are reversing the narrative.
“We’re very fortunate to have the guys we have behind us,” said Barnes.
Thanks to Boston’s glovework, Franco’s big night wasn’t quite enough for the Rays.
"They made some nice plays at really big times for them where we had chances to get a run up there, or multiple runs,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “Story made nice plays. I mean, Yandy’s ball that he hits is probably a gapper that scores two. So Bogaerts made some nice plays. So yeah, they made some nice plays at the right time for them."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:06:02 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: J.D. (adductor) available to PH April 22nd, 2022
Keep track of the Red Sox’s recent transactions and injury updates throughout the season. LATEST NEWS
April 22: DH J.D. Martinez (left adductor tightness) available on Friday Though Boston's star slugger was out of the lineup for a second straight day due to the left adductor injury he suffered in Wednesday's game, acting manager Will Venable said that Martinez would take swings prior to Friday night's opener of a three-game series at Tropicana Field and be available to pinch-hit. Martinez might return to the lineup on Saturday, though Venable said there's nothing definitive on that. In his first 41 at-bats this season, Martinez has a batting line of .268/354/.463 with a homer and seven RBIs. -- Ian Browne
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:08:21 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 4h "Ozzie Smith with the glove, Barry Bonds with the bat." -- Xander Bogaerts, giving his synopsis of Wander Franco.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:10:05 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 9h Lefty reliever Josh Taylor, who made one Minor League appearance to start his rehab on Sunday and hasn't pitched since then, will get into a game this weekend. He was paused due to potential close contact/COVID exposure situation.
Will Venable with a brief Alex Cora update: "Yeah, I talked to him all day. He’s feeling a lot better. Still some mild symptoms but he’s feeling a lot better.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:14:55 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Red Sox’ versatile Garrett Whitlock starting a new role Saturday against Rays By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 22, 2022, 8:01 p.m.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Garrett Whitlock has worn multiple caps for the Red Sox.
Whitlock has been the team’s middle reliever, closer, the piggyback pitcher who can go multiple innings. On Saturday, he’ll wear the hat of a Red Sox starter, the first of his big league career.
Rich Hill (bereavement list) was scheduled to start Saturday against the Rays but was pushed back to Sunday.
Whitlock, who has a 0.93 ERA in 9⅔ innings with 11 strikeouts out of the Red Sox bullpen, said nothing changes in this role. Pitching coach Dave Bush offered Whitlock a unique perspective..
“He was just telling me like, ‘Hey it’s not a start, you’re just pitching the first inning. And I was like, all right, sounds good,” Whitlock said before the Sox tipped the Rays, 4-3.
The Red Sox will need Whitlock to go more than one inning. But Bush’s input was just another reminder for Whitlock to not see this role any differently. That might not be a problem for the righthander, who manager Alex Cora said has a unique ability to stay in the present.
“You can’t let the moment get too big for you,” Whitlock said. “You just got to move on to the next, whether it’s a positive or negative outcome. So that’s just that whole mentality, stay in that moment, but at the same time, you have to look forward.”
Acting manager Will Venable said he doesn’t expect it to be too much different for Whitlock on Saturday.
“I’m sure he’s excited,” Venable said. “He’s been in a lot of situations that could challenge a young pitcher, but he’s handled them well. I think it will be normal Garrett out there.” Cora getting better
Cora, who is sidelined with COVID-19, is getting better, according to Venable. Before Thursday’s game with the Blue Jays, the Red Sox announced their manager was the latest player/staff member to be hit by the virus. It began with two staff members and Kevin Plawecki at the beginning of the week. Jonathan Aráuz and Christian Vázquez also hit the COVID-related injured list. Plawecki and Aráuz have remained on COVID-IL, and it’s uncertain when Cora or the other players might return. The positive for the Sox is that, so far, they haven’t had any new cases.
Furthermore, the Sox have been through worse with COVID-19 tearing through their clubhouse at the end of last season. As a result, they understand how to deal with these situations a bit better.
“I mean all the challenges that this game and COVID throw at us, I think you get a little bit better each time, dealing with the next wave of whatever that is,” Venable said. “And that’s certainly the case here where you know, there’s no surprises. We know what we have to do when we have a positive [test] to protect ourselves and our family.” Detour from Toronto
The Red Sox will fly into Toronto for their next series, but will take a bus to nearby Buffalo on the way back and fly to Baltimore from there. Canada requires a PCR test for anyone to fly out of the country. If the test comes back positive, a person has to quarantine for 14 days. But anyone crossing the border on land doesn’t have to present any type of COVID test. Venable contracted the virus last year while the team was in Toronto and was forced to quarantine for 14 days . . . J.D. Martinez (left adductor tightness) was available off the bench Friday night. It’s still to be determined if he will start Saturday’s game . . . Josh Taylor (back) made one rehab appearance Sunday but hasn’t pitched since. Taylor was deemed a potential close contact/exposed to COVID. The plan is for Taylor to get into a game this weekend.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:19:57 GMT -5
Matt Barnes records first save of season as Red Sox hold on over Rays Gets Wander Franco out with bases loaded in ninth
By Steve Hewitt | stephen.hewitt@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: April 22, 2022 at 10:55 p.m. | UPDATED: April 22, 2022 at 11:17 p.m.
Alex Cora is hopeful Matt Barnes can return to form and regain his role as the Red Sox’ closer this season.
One at-bat isn’t going to win Barnes the job back, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.
The Red Sox looked ready to give the game away on Friday night, leading by a run in the ninth with the bases loaded. But Barnes came in to save the night. Facing Wander Franco — who already had two homers on the night — Barnes induced the superstar into a game-ending groundout as the Red Sox held on for a 4-3 victory at Tropicana Field.
Acting manager Will Venable initially went to Jake Diekman for the save but the lefty issued three walks in the inning, including the first two batters of the inning. But his teammates bailed him out.
First, it was Trevor Story. The second baseman made a terrific defensive play, snagging a grounder from Harold Ramirez on a tough hop and throwing it to second to Xander Bogaerts, who couldn’t complete a double play but got a key out.
With runners at first and third, Diekman walked the No. 9 hitter Mike Zunino to load the bases. But he responded with a big strikeout of Brandon Lowe — getting him out looking — which brought up Franco.
That’s when Venable made the move of the night, sending Barnes, who hasn’t had a save opportunity since last season, in for the deciding at-bat. Venable liked the matchup, and it worked out. He got ahead of Franco in the count before the Rays star hit a hot grounder to Story, who made another big play, snagging the ball on his back hand before firing to first to preserve the win.
For Barnes, Friday’s save could act as a turning point. He was an All-Star closer last season after a terrific first half, but a bad second half ultimately led to him being left off the playoff roster. Now, he’s battling to earn Cora’s trust again.
“It’s huge,” Venable told reporters in St. Petersburg. “He’s been fighting to regain his form and these opportunities are huge confidence builders. He got the job done. We’ve got all the confidence in the world in him and it’s nice that it worked out tonight.”
Other takeaways from Friday’s win:
– After looking flat in a home series loss to the Blue Jays, the Red Sox offense looked much better to start the game. They recorded nine hits off Corey Kluber — including Rafael Devers’ third home run of the season — in the first three innings to open up a 4-1 lead and they looked like they were going to run the Rays out of the Trop.
But they weren’t able to add on, and it almost cost them. The Red Sox had just two more hits the rest of the game — back-to-back singles from Bogaerts and Alex Verdugo to open the fifth — but had nothing to show for it. Kiké Hernandez grounded into a double play and the Red Sox didn’t threaten again.
– After some injury-plagued years and inconsistency, Michael Wacha finished last season strong with the Rays and Chaim Bloom bought into the veteran right-hander in free agency. So far, Wacha is showing himself to be a potential bargain.
Returning to his home from a year ago, Wacha continued his strong start to the season as he tossed five innings and gave up two runs — both solo homers to Franco. The only other hit he surrendered came on a leadoff single in the second.
In three starts, Wacha has done more than expected as the Red Sox’ No. 4 starter. He has a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings and he has a 0.91 WHIP while holding opponents to a .125 average.
– Franco — who signed an 11-year, $182 million extension in the offseason — reminded the Red Sox that he’ll be torturing them for years to come in the division. The 21-year-old not only hit two home runs off Wacha on Friday night — two no-doubt missiles to right field — but also flashed his glove with a sensational defensive play in the sixth, when he went a very long way from shortstop to track down a fly ball down the left field line.
In 17 career games against the Red Sox starting last season, when he was a rookie, Franco now has five homers, three doubles and three triples.
“Ozzie Smith with the glove, Barry Bonds with the bat,” Bogaerts told reporters in St. Petersburg. “He’s unbelievable.”
– The Red Sox were leading 4-1 with two outs in the third when Bogaerts made the play of the night.
Wacha had narrowly missed an inning-ending strikeout on a borderline call when Ji-Man Choi’s check swing was ruled a ball. Choi walked to put two runners on for Yandy Diaz, who smoked a liner to shortstop that looked destined for the outfield and a run-scoring hit. But Bogaerts leaped and made a highlight-reel catch — with full extension — to end the inning and threat. The ball was ripped 110.7 mph off of Diaz’s bat, but Bogaerts was in perfect position for the grab.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:22:12 GMT -5
Garrett Whitlock to start for Boston Red Sox vs. Rays on Saturday; it will mark his first MLB start Updated: Apr. 22, 2022, 6:19 p.m. | Published: Apr. 22, 2022, 6:17 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Garrett Whitlock will start for the Boston Red Sox on Saturday vs. the Rays here at Tropicana Field. It will mark his first major league start.
Whitlock has been one of Boston’s most dominant pitchers since the start of 2021 with a 1.84 ERA in 50 outings (83 innings). The Red Sox view him longterm as a starting pitcher as his new four-year contract extension has escalators based on innings pitched.
The Red Sox plan to push back left-handed starter Rich Hill, who is on the bereavement list after losing his father Lloyd, to Sunday. That left a need for Saturday. The Red Sox also are reshuffling the rotation a bit with Tanner Houck unable to make his start next week in Toronto because he’s unvaccinated.
“I’m sure he (Whitlock) is excited,” said Red Sox bench coach Will Venable who is managing in place of Alex Cora (COVID). “He’s been in a lot of situations that challenge a young pitcher. He’s handled them all and I think he’ll be normal Garrett out there tomorrow.”
Whitlock is stretched out to pitch 3-4 innings. He went 4 innings out of the bullpen in a win April 12 at Detroit.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:23:11 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Alex Cora (COVID) ‘feeling a lot better’; Team will takes buses to Buffalo after Toronto series Updated: Apr. 22, 2022, 7:31 p.m. | Published: Apr. 22, 2022, 6:56 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Bench coach Will Venable again will manage the Boston Red Sox on Friday with Alex Cora (COVID) remaining in Boston.
Cora tested positive right before the start of Thursday’s game.
“I talked to him all day,” Venable said here at Tropicana Field. “He’s feeling a lot better. Still some mild symptoms but he’s feeling a lot better.”
The Red Sox had no new COVID cases Friday.
“Nobody popping up with new symptoms,” Venable said. “So we’re day by day but we’re good.”
Kevin Plawecki (COVID-IL since Monday), Jonathan Araúz (COVID list since Tuesday) and Cora will need two negative PCR tests before returning. Plawecki also is feeling well.
“He’s symptom-free, feeling good and just continue to test,” Venable said.
Major league field coordinator Andy Fox will serve as Venable’s bench coach.
“Andy Fox will be the official bench coach but everybody’s filling in,” Venable said. “We’re all helping out with everything that’s going on. It’s really all hands on deck. That’s what makes it fun and gives us confidence that we’re going to do just fine as much as we miss Alex.”
The Red Sox will play here against the Rays on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They then play four games in Toronto vs. the Blue Jays Monday-Thursday before heading to Baltimore for a series next weekend.
The Red Sox will take buses to Buffalo on Thursday to fly out of there instead of flying out of Toronto because Canada requires a negative COVID test to leave via plane. Canada does not require a negative COVID test to travel over the border into the U.S. The team will fly from Buffalo to Baltimore.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:24:15 GMT -5
Trevor Story, Boston Red Sox’s new leadoff hitter? ‘Just to be a little bit more dynamic, we’ll think about it’ Updated: Apr. 22, 2022, 8:14 p.m. | Published: Apr. 22, 2022, 7:49 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Trevor Story is batting leadoff for the Boston Red Sox on Friday for the second straight game. He singled to begin the game against the Rays and scored on Alex Verdugo’s single.
Does manager Alex Cora have a new leadoff hitter?
Before Cora tested positive for COVID on Thursday, he talked about the possibility of Story leading off more often.
“He’s very athletic, he brings the base running part to the equation,” Cora said. “One thing we haven’t done is put pressure on the opposition. I think we have one steal attempt and it was on a 3-2 count. That wasn’t actually about stealing the base. It was trying to stay away from a double play. Just to be a little bit more dynamic, we’ll think about it. If we have to re-adjust, we’ll do it.”
The Red Sox entered Friday without any stolen bases. Story has speed. He led the league with 20 stolen bases during the shortened 2020 season. He also had 15 steals last year.
Story led off Thursday without regular leadoff hitter Kiké Hernández (routine day off) in the lineup. Hernández is batting fifth here Friday.
“I think really just the lineup construction today is about just balancing it out with J.D. (Martinez) not in there,” said bench coach Will Venable who is managing in Cora’s absence. “That was the messaging from Alex as far as the lineup goes today.”
Martinez is out of the lineup because of left adductor tightness. But he is available off the bench, Venable said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:25:23 GMT -5
Trevor Story on Boston Red Sox game-saving play: ‘It was just a matter of if I was going to dive or slide’ Updated: Apr. 22, 2022, 11:51 p.m. | Published: Apr. 22, 2022, 11:47 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The ball left Wander Franco’s bat at 100.9 mph.
“I felt like I had a good beat on it the entire time,” Trevor Story said. “It was just a matter of if I was going to dive or slide. Franco can run. So a slide and pop-up was the quicker way to do it.”
Story made the game-saving play with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth Friday. He ranged to his left onto the outfield grass, slid, popped up and threw out Franco at first base for the final out. The Red Sox survived, winning 4-3 over the Rays here at Tropicana Field.
“Just how we drew it up,” joked bench coach Will Venable who is managing in place of Alex Cora (COVID).
“Obviously the athleticism showed,” Venable added about Story. “He made some huge plays, bailed us out of some spots. A great defensive performance by Story.”
It was a wild ninth inning. Jake Diekman walked three of the five batters he faced. Matt Barnes came on with the bases loaded and two outs to face Franco.
“Those are the situations that we kind of live for,” Barnes said. “Story made an unbelievable play. Two of them in the inning actually.”
Story also recorded a 4-6 force-out on a 95.1 mph grounder hit by Harold Ramírez for the ninth inning’s first out. He dived to his left for it. He said that was the tougher play.
“Line drive. Kind of short-hopped that. That’s a tough one,” he said. “But just try to hang in there as best I can and I should have made a better feed to Bogey (Xander Bogaerts) and we probably could have turned it (a double play).”
Bogaerts said Story “took over the ninth inning.”
“He’s just making these spectacular plays right now with his defense, his range. Everything. He’s got it all,” Bogaerts said.
Story, a shortstop his entire major league career until signing with the Red Sox last month, said he feels comfortable at second base.
“I was not swinging the bat like I want to, so trying to find ways to help the team. And defense is another way,” he said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 3:26:21 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts on snaring 110.7 mph liner; ‘He smoked that ball and it caught my glove’ Published: Apr. 23, 2022, 12:28 a.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Trevor Story made the actual game-saving play with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning when he ranged to his left onto the outfield grass. He slid, fielded the 100.9 mph grounder, popped up and threw out Wander Franco at first base for the final out.
But as Red Sox starting pitcher Michael Wacha pointed out, there was another game-changing defensive play that saved at least one run earlier. Xander Bogaerts leaped and snared a line drive that left Yandy Diaz’s bat at 110.7 mph in the third inning.
“That was the game-saver right there,” Wacha said.
Matt Barnes added, “Oh, my God. What an incredible play.”
The Red Sox won 4-3 over the Rays here at Tropicana Field on Friday.
“(Diaz) got it pretty good,” Bogaerts said. “I just jump up and if it’s in, it’s in.”
It went in the glove somehow. Bogaerts’ excellent grab ended the third inning with runners at first and second base and the Red Sox ahead 4-1.
“I think that’s the only defensive play I made of the night,” Bogaerts joked. “So at least I made that one to make up for a couple of the other mistakes.”
Bogaerts — who made an error in the first inning — agreed it’s one of the best line-drive catches he has made during his career.
“For sure. I mean, the situation, too,” Bogaerts said. “Had some guys on base. He smoked that ball and it caught my glove.”
Bogaerts’ catch came after Story made a throwing error to put a runner on base with one out that inning.
“He bailed me out because that was the inning I had the throwing error,” Story said. “I was kicking myself for that. But he picked me up huge there. That’s why he’s Bogey.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 6:58:22 GMT -5
Red Sox @ Rays Saturday, 24th April 6pm @ The Trop
Whitlock 1-0/ 093
TBD
Red Sox try to solve Rays' Wander Franco FLM
When Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash's offense needs a boost this season, more often than not Wander Franco is the one providing the spark.
After missing one game for precautionary reasons this week due to a minor injury, Franco returned and helped the Rays win a road series against the Chicago Cubs.
The hot-hitting Franco, 21, likely will be back in the lineup Saturday for the second contest of Tampa Bay's three-game series against the Boston Red Sox in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Before Tampa Bay's 4-3 loss to the Red Sox on Friday, the Rays had a scare, as several members of their traveling party were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
The organization announced that catcher Francisco Mejia -- hitting .348 -- tested positive for the virus and was placed on the COVID-related injured list.
Franco, the club's dazzling shortstop, was a late scratch by Cash heading into series opener at Chicago after experiencing right quad tightness.
However, his return Tuesday night ignited the offense, and Tampa Bay finished the set with consecutive wins at Wrigley Field.
In the series opener against Boston, Franco went deep twice, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to craft a multi-homer game.
"He hit the ball really well, like he has all season long," Cash said. "He's just really impressive, the way he can get to pitches. He rifles two balls down the line for home runs. He's swinging the bat well."
Over his past four contests, the switch-hitting Dominican is 8-for-19 (.421) with three home runs, three doubles, five runs and six RBIs.
The Rays' relief corps, which spun four hitless innings against Boston on Friday, will be counted on again Saturday in a bullpen game.
Having turned in 5 1/3 scoreless innings this season, J.P. Feyereisen (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will get make second start and sixth appearance of the season. He is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in five career relief outings against Boston.
Acting Boston manager Will Venable, assuming the role with skipper Alex Cora having tested positive for COVID-19, will send out Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 0.93) to make his first start in his 51st career appearance.
In four relief outings this season, the right-hander has allowed one run on four hits in 9 2/3 innings. He has struck out 11, walked two and held the opposition to a .121 batting average. Whitlock is 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in four lifetime appearances against the Rays.
Whitlock, 25, avoided injury Tuesday when he slid awkwardly while covering first base on a ball hit to the right of first baseman Bobby Dalbec.
"That was about as unathletic as I could ever look," kidded Whitlock, who tore a hole in his pants while recording his third career save.
Cora said he'd prefer longer outings for the former UAB hurler.
"I took a chance with Whit," Cora said following the 2-1 win. "That's not the perfect situation to use him. We'd like to stretch him out."
Boston second baseman Trevor Story made a sliding grab and threw out Franco at first base to end the Friday game as the Red Sox won for just the second time in five games this week.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 7:06:56 GMT -5
This Xander Bogaerts, Trevor Story combo is working pretty well
By Rob Bradford WEEI 93.7 24 minutes ago
Xander Bogaerts offered his reminder to close out the third inning of what would be a 4-3 Red Sox win over the Rays.
It was 110.7 mph line-drive off the bat of Yandy Diaz that the 6-foot-2, 225-pound shortstop snatched out of the air.
“The situation, too, was big, because they had some guys on base, he smoked that ball. It caught my glove,” Bogaerts told reporters. “I just jumped up, and if it’s in, it’s in. I thought that dude was going to the wall on a double, but I got it. It’s a really nice catch.”
But that was just the appetizer. Trevor Story supplied the main course.
After kicking off his showcase of defensive efforts with a diving play on a Manuel Margot liner in the fourth inning, the second baseman took over when it counted the most, in the ninth.
With runners on first and second and nobody out in the final frame, Story ranged to his right to make a diving play of Harold Ramirez's liner for a force out at second. And then came the game-saver.
Bases loaded. Two outs. Wander Franco up. Third pitch ... 100.9 grounder headed for right field. Nope. Story ranged to his left and adeptly gathered in the game-winning play.
“I felt like I had a good bead on it the entire time,” Story told reporters. “Just a matter of if I was going to dive or slide. Franco can run. The slide and the popup was the quicker way to do it." He added, "Obviously, pretty fired up,” said Story. “I’m not swinging the bat like I want to, so I’m trying to find ways to help the team, and defense is another way.”
“He took over the ninth inning,” Bogaerts told MLB.com when it comes to Story. “I’m not even worried about him not hitting. He’s going to hit. He’s just making these spectacular plays right now with his defense and his range -- everything. He’s got it all locked down now. He’s going to hit. Trevor Story is going to hit.”
Keep in mind, this is a shortstop who has played with a lot of second baseman. In fact, there hasn't been a single player to man the position next to Bogaerts since the beginning of 2019 for more than 60 games (and that was Brock Holt). That figures to change this season.
The conversations about who will end up where won't be going away, with Bogaerts potentially leaving after this season and Story sliding back to his previous position at shortstop.
But for the here and the now, this middle infield is working.
As the pitcher - Matt Barnes - who stood on the mound for that final out said, "We’re very fortunate to have the guys we have behind us."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 23, 2022 9:24:26 GMT -5
Game 15: Red Sox at Rays lineups and notesBy Amin Touri Globe Staff,Updated April 23, 2022, 8 minutes ago Having escaped a ninth-inning jam on Friday night, the Red Sox will look to clinch the series against the Rays on Saturday. Related: Sunday Baseball Notes: Why the Blue Jays won’t be feeling sorry for teams that show up shorthanded to Toronto With Rich Hill (bereavement list) pushed back to Sunday, Garrett Whitlock will make his first career start. The righthander has been excellent in the early going this season, with a 0.93 ERA in 9 ⅔ innings out of the bullpen. J.P. Feyereisen will make his second career start as the Rays’ opener, and will likely only throw an inning or two in an expected bullpen game for the hosts. The righthander has only allowed one run in 6 ⅓ innings against the Red Sox. Lineups RED SOX (7-7): 1. Trevor Story (R) 2B 2. Rafael Devers (L) 3B 3. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS 4. Alex Verdugo (L) LF 5. Enrique Hernandez (R) CF 6. Jackie Bradley Jr. (L) RF 7. Bobby Dalbec (R) 1B 8. Christian Vazquez (R) C 9. Rob Refsnyder (R) DH Pitching: RHP Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 0.93 ERA) RAYS (7-7): 1. Brandon Lowe (L) 2B 2. Wander Franco (S) SS 3. Randy Arozarena (R) DH 4. Ji-Man Choi (L) 1B 5. Josh Lowe (L) LF 6. Taylor Walls (S) 3B 7. Kevin Kiermaier (L) CF 8. Brett Phillips (L) RF 9. Mike Zunino (R) C Pitching: RHP J.P. Feyereisen (0-0, 0.00 ERA) Time: 6:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Red Sox vs. Feyereisen: Devers 1-1, Dalbec 0-2, Hernández 0-2, Bogaerts 0-2, Vázquez 0-3 Rays vs. Whitlock: Arozarena 0-2, Choi 1-1, Díaz 1-3, Franco 2-4, Kiermaier 1-1, Lowe 2-3, Margot 1-3, Walls 0-2, Zunino 0-3 Get 108 Stitches Stat of the day: ESPN’s win probability metric gave the Rays a 55.2 percent chance of victory with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth on Friday, before Jake Diekman and Matt Barnes pitched out of the jam. Notes: Garrett Whitlock has allowed just one run in 9 ⅔ innings this season, but he’s 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in four lifetime appearances against the Rays. Whitlock makes his first career start in his 51st career appearance ... Will Venable remains in the acting manager role after Alex Cora tested positive for COVID-19 ... Rays star Wander Franco became the youngest player in franchise history with a multi-homer game after belting two on Friday. The 21-year-old is 8-for-19 (.421) with three home runs, three doubles, five runs, and six RBIs in his last four games ... Rays catcher Francisco Mejia — hitting .348 — tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the COVID-related injured list. Song of the Day: Van Halen- Drop Dead Legswww.youtube.com/watch?v=-EwJ9PkcZk4
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