I think it is fair to say that Rafael Devers OPS should be about .900+ over the course of the season. He is currently at .783, so reversion to his high level mean indicates he should start hitting, with power soon. I hope tonight.
A strong 6 inning start ( 2-3 times through lineup) from Houck would further solidify the SP rotation. Win today and the flight home from a sweep will be more comfortable. Most of the East keeps winning along with us. A combined 49 games over .500 with Blue Jays in the rear view mirror.
Max, I have to go out now, but will turn the job of making this a win over to you , ask SS for word plays and Moon for stats, if necessary to win this one. Good luck , guys.
It does take a smart infielder to be aware and a good throw home, which they did make . Even then, Dugo was closer than it originally appeared.
Gotta love pitchers who serve up 0-2 HR's.
Defensive alignment vs Duran left a big hole between 2bman and 1Bman. But if Jarren could bunt, a ball pushed up the 3B side would have allowed Dugo to stop for ice cream on the way home
What does he say when it's called strike 3 ? Actually , Casas had a very good game last night and swung the bat way more aggressively with excellent results. I guess our coaching is being listened to.
Bernardino is a marginal guy for the opposite reason that Winckowski will probably make good MLB money. Wink gets 9 outs on 34 pitches. Bernardino issues a 2 out walk with a 7-2 lead, goes 3-2 on the last batter , using 24 pitches to finish the 9th inning.
BUT Red Sox win again . This will likely be repeated about 60-65 more times this year
If Casas can hit towards left center, especially at Fenway, like that double with any regularity, he will cement himself as the Sox 1Bman of the next 5 years.
O'B had to mention that Ketel Marte's streak of 23 consecutive games reaching base was on the line. 2 seconds later Marte grounds a single to RF. O'B STFU
Winck reinforcing my opinion that relievers who use more than 20 pitches to get through an inning are not very effective. Winckowski just got 6 outs on 20 pitches . That's effective !
Given that fact, more understandable. Good for Sale to have pretty much shut down D'backs, and thankful he got support. Now the BP needs to show up big time.
On the other hand, "load management" dictates that Sale is done after 5 tonight ? They only have a 4 run lead. Yes, i understand Sale went 110+- in last 2 outings, but he is now the STOPPER. Don't blow it
So Max, the question becomes, stick with what works tonight or return to the more typical Devers/Duran lineup tomorrow ? Actually glad that Cora shook it up tonight the prior 4 games were awful offensive performances.