Red Sox outfielder Kike Hernandez
Not only is he the highest rated Red Sox player, Enrique Hernandez earned the No. 1 spot on MLB.com’s list of top postseason performers.
Hernandez has been on fire, hitting .435 with a 1.266 OPS that leads the majors among hitters with at least five at-bats this postseason.
He’s been an extra-base hitting machine with three doubles and a pair of home runs. Four of those came in Game 2 of the ALDS to set a franchise record for extra-base hits in a playoff game. His five extra-base hits in the ALDS tied another franchise single-series record.
Kiké Hernández has tied the Red Sox Postseason record for extra-base hits in a single series (5).
— J.P. Long (@SoxNotes) October 10, 2021
Carl Yastrzemski – 1967 World Series
John Valentin – 1999 ALDS
Kevin Youkilis – 2007 ALCS
Kevin Youkilis – 2008 ALCS
Kiké Hernández – 2021 ALDS
Hernandez had one stretch where he recorded a hit in seven consecutive plate appearances to tie an MLB postseason record with Derek Jeter and Billy Hatcher.
Considering he was the team’s best hitter in the ALDS, it was only fitting that Kike delivered the game-winning RBI in Game 4, giving the Red Sox their second consecutive walk-off win to clinch the series.
MLB.com compared Hernandez to Robert Horry, a legendary NBA role player known for knocking down clutch shots in the playoffs despite never being the superstar on his team. Big Shot Bob earned seven championship rings during his tenure with the Rockets, Lakers and Spurs. Hernandez has a long way to go to reach that territory but he did win his first championship as a member of the Dodgers last year. Perhaps Big Shot Kike will fuel the Red Sox to the World Series where he can earn his next ring.