Number 2: Red Sox / Yankees brawl
This year, the rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees was back in the sense that both teams were considered two of the best teams in the MLB and competing for the division. It began when the Yankees acquired MVP Giancarlo Stanton and the Red Sox signed J.D. Martinez, that’s when you knew both teams were serious World Series contenders.
But the classic rivalry was truly reborn when Tyler Austin slammed his bat down after being hit by a fastball from Joe Kelly and charged the mound. Benches cleared, fists started flying, and the 2003/2004-like rivalry was back.
Benches clear, punches thrown in Yankees-Red Sox after Tyler Austin is hit by a pitch from Joe Kelly. pic.twitter.com/wvqoak8QMV
— MLB (@MLB) April 12, 2018
Number 1: Mookie Betts’ grand slam after a 13-pitch at bat
And now, the best moment of the 2018 Red Sox season…
Brb, reliving last night. pic.twitter.com/dZfLxmTsmM
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 13, 2018
Right when this happened, Red Sox fans pretty much already knew it was one of the best moments of the season if not the best. An epic battle between MVP candidate Mookie Betts and All-Star pitcher J.A. Happ resulting in a grand slam to give the Sox the lead. You could feel the energy in the park as the at-bat went on, and when the ball came off his bat everyone knew “it was time to party” as Eck said.
This grand slam may seem like just 4 RBIs in the 4th inning against the Blue Jays in the middle of July, but it really meant a lot more than that. It further showed how special this team is and how this season is like a “party”. It represented how much fun this team is having under new manager Alex Cora, a huge difference from last year. Teams that have fun together, go far together.