The Boston Red Sox are dancing. They're pitching at an historic rate. And now they're hitting, as their bats have managed to wake up against ... the worst team in baseball. But hey, fans will take any signs of progress, and it's definitely positive to see the Sox bludgeoning the Oakland A's. They're supposed to do that.
In the top of the first inning on Tuesday night, the Sox once again got out to an early lead thanks to Trevor Story. With two outs and Rafael Devers on first (as a result of a fielder's choice), Story doubled into the left-center gap, and Raffy was off to the races.
He came all around to score the first run of the game thanks to the fact he was running at the crack of the bat. If there had been less than two outs, it's very possible the Sox would be looking at runners on first and third. Devers isn't the fastest guy on the field.
Former Red Sox star Kevin Youkilis acknowledged just that, saying on the NESN broadcast that Devers was "on his horse" and that he's "going to have to catch his breath" after rumbling around the bases.
Look at him go! That's the hustle we're talking about!
On the board!
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 3, 2024
Thanks, Trevor. pic.twitter.com/XsXxPJhJve
Kevin Youkilis has hilarious Rafael Devers comment after Trevor Story RBI double
Kinda actually looked like he was on a horse as he rounded third with a purpose as if he was trying to maintain the rail on a track.
As a fellow large third baseman, Youkilis knows a thing or two about having to expound energy on the base paths, so he can best to relate how Raffy was feeling about booking it to get the Sox on the board.
What's especially encouraging about Devers' effort there was the previous concern with his shoulder issue that kept him sidelined for two games over the weekend. Sox fans were concerned because it seemingly came out of nowhere, but they've been assured it's nothing serious.
Manager Alex Cora calmed some nerves and Devers has returned to the lineup the past three nights (he's gotten on base four times, too). That'll need to hold up, though, because there's still some worry about Devers experiencing discomfort during spring training.
For now, he's been able to get through it without any setback, so Sox fans can keep dancing and joking ... as long as this A's 4-3 lead goes away rather quickly.