Red Sox: Win Mariners Series, Take on Lowly White Sox Next

What Went Right?

Honestly, their was a lot that went right in this three game set against Seattle. “Pretty” Ricky Porcello came out Saturday afternoon at America’s most beloved ballpark and did what he does best, threw lights out baseball. The right hander went 6 (IP) strong only allowing 2 earned runs and struck out 6 in a 6-2 victory.

Porcello has gotten better every start this season, not just with statistics but his feel for the game. Last season you would try to see him gas it by people, and allow multiple home runs because he would leave a 91-92 MPH fastball up right where hitters could drive it out of the park. Saturday afternoon was a different story as he mixed in his fastball hitting his spots, and switching it up with a devastating change-up to keep hitters on their toes.

LHP David Price has been the $31 mil. year pitcher we signed in the offseason, as the veteran threw his third straight 8 inning performance in a 2-1 win Sunday afternoon to claim the 3-game series from Seattle. Again, Price went 8 innings only allowed one earned run (Gutierrez HR), struck out 7, and lowered his ERA down to (4.24). The ace of the staff has looked a lot more comfortable in a Red Sox uniform, with now 8 straight quality starts the general consensus is that we will see the David Price we saw last year that led the Toronto Blue Jays to October baseball. His velocity has been up, mechanics look more intact, and looks like he has taken the city of Boston with complete open arms.

The triple threat in Jackie Bradley Jr, Mookie Betts, and Xander Bogearts had another great couple of work shifts this past weekend. Betts led this surging offense this past weekend (6 for 13 2B, HR), the right fielder with already 50 RBI’s is making some noise around the league when referring to being considered for July’s MLB All-Star Game. Bradley Jr. continues to show that he’s got some pop in the bat this past weekend (4 for 10 2B, HR), and although he has cooled off quite a bit since his 29-game hit streak (.385 BA in May), still shows a lot of promise as being one of the best five-tool players that the game has to offer.

Where do I begin with Xander Bogaerts? The catalyst of this offense continues to show that he is one of the best hitters in baseball. It seems like every time the Red Sox need a rally, X seems to be the X-factor of games continuously getting on base when the opportunity arises (.401 OBP).

The Large Father in David Ortiz continues to be a spark plug at the 4 spot that the Sox have had for all these years. I’m not surprised by his towering numbers that he has brought to the table this season (.342 BA, 18 HR, 59 RBIs), he is the best hitter I have seen put on a Red Sox uniform. I’ve said it plenty of times, but I’ll say it again, why is he retiring? I understand that sometimes players don’t have the passion they once had for the game, but this does not apply to Ortiz. The Designated Hitter could play another 5 years and still have great power numbers, and give enough spark to the Red Sox to win games as he’s had his whole career. And he can steal!!