Red Sox: Rafael Devers, Andrew Benintendi silence Yankees
By Adam Buskey
With the Red Sox playing in yet another extra-inning game against their AL East rivals, the young bats came through in the clutch to solidify the win.
Despite the Boston Red Sox bats being criticized for not performing at the same level as last season, this years lineup is filled with young stars that can make some serious noise. This talent was on display in a 3-2 win Sunday night against their hated rivals.
With the dog days of summer in full swing, the Red Sox headed to the Bronx riding a season-high seven game winning streak. Hoping to keep the momentum going, the Yankees spoiled their winning streak with a 5-4 win Friday night. However, their bats continued to roll.
Backed by Andrew Benintendi‘s pair of 3-run home runs on Saturday afternoon, and Rafael Devers crushing a loud double to center, both of the young stars carried the momentum into Sunday nights matchup.
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Sunday was Sale day in the Bronx, and as always, the tall left-handed flame-thrower continued to excite Red Sox Nation. It was certainly another pitchers duel for Sale as the Sox bats were silent for most of the night, unable to produce until the 9th inning.
The always intimidating Aroldis Chapman entered the 9th hoping to seal the win after the Yankees bats rallied to take lead. Chapman, who is known for throwing 100 plus mph fastballs, is also known for having trouble with his command. The last time Chapman faced the Red Sox, he walked in the winning run.
On Sunday night, Chapman blew it once again. 20-year old Rafael Devers, who only has two weeks of big league experience under his belt, originally entered the game as a pinch hitter for the DH Chris Young. Mind you, this was Devers’ first look at Chapman. With the first man out in the 9th, Devers delivered by sitting dead red on a fastball middle in, which he sent high and deep into the Red Sox bullpen to tie the game at two.
As the game headed into extras, Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi delivered once again. With the bases loaded in the 10th, Benintendi roped a screaming single into right which gave the Red Sox a 3-2 lead.
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Closer Craig Kimbrel shut the door on the Bronx Bombers, extending Boston’s lead over the Yankees by 5.5 games in the standings. While this feels like a comfortable lead, these two teams still have to meet two more times within the remaining two months. With the postseason closing in, it’s time for the Red Sox to keep their foot on the gas and never look back.