Boston Red Sox: 3 key takeaways from Game 2 of the ALDS

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 23: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners on April 23, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

The Red Sox were aggressive in the batter’s box

After being shut out with nine hits in Game One, Boston came out swinging on a mission in Game Two on Friday. They had five hits in the top of the first inning, leading to two runs crossing the plate. The momentum continued to build through each inning.

Sure, the Sox were down 5-2 after exiting the field in the first inning. But, they continued swinging the bat with authority. Boston broke a postseason team record with five dingers in Game Two. They finished the game scoring at least two runs in five innings on Friday night, winning 14-6.

The Tampa Bay Rays starter, Shane Baz, didn’t make it out of the second inning. He finished the game giving up three runs off of six hits. As a team, the Rays gave up 20 hits with a staff of six pitchers on the mound.

Enrique Hernandez led the way for the Red Sox with five hits, three runs, and three RBIs off of six appearances at the plate. Xander Bograerts, Alex Verdugo, and Christian Vazquez each connected with the ball for three hits each. J. D. Martinez hit the ball four different times. We’ll talk more about him later.

The Red Sox had nine hits in game one. That’s not exactly horrible. Still, game two was different. Boston was swinging the bat with a purpose. They were in a game they needed to win and came through. They looked great in the batter’s box and left Tampa Bay with a split.

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