Red Sox Stay Hot with Win, Look to Sweep Yankees
A small hiccup in the middle of the week non-withstanding, the Boston Red Sox bats have continued to be hot.
Timely hitting, a strong bullpen effort and scoring the eventual winning run in the seventh on a wild pitch propelled the Red Sox to a 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday.
Boston has now won the first three games of the series, with come-from-behind victories in two of those wins. In the process, they have increased their division lead as the window to clinch a playoff birth gets closer and closer.
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The Red Sox currently hold a three-game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, while the Yankees find themselves seven games out.
Boston overcame a shaky outing from David Price, his first in over a month. Price gave them six innings, but allowed nine hits and five runs while striking out seven.
The bullpen, like they did in Thursday night’s victory, came through with a performance expected of an elite team. Two night’s after a brilliant effort in which they allowed only one run in 6.2 innings of relief, the bullpen was even better Saturday. Relievers pitched three innings without giving up a hit, capped off by Craig Kimbrel striking out all four batters he faced.
It was Hanley Ramirez, though, and the rest of the Red Sox offense that proved too much for the Yankees. Ramirez continued his torrid September by going 3-4, raising his September batting average to .327.
Ramirez, quietly having his best season in years, has hit ten home runs in his last 20 games, bringing his season total to 26.
The 12th-year pro has the third highest home run total of his career. He hit 29 in 2007 and a career-high 33 in 2008. His 102 RBI’s are second behind his career-high of 106, also in ’08.
Ramirez is also one of four Red Sox players who are a part of the 25 and over home run club. David Ortize (34), Mookie Betts (30), and Jackie Bradley Jr (25) are also in the club, with Xander Bogaerts not far behind with 20.
Bogaerts could also end up as one of five players for the Red Sox with 100 RBI’s. Bogaerts (88) and Bradley (85) have yet to punch their ticket. Along with Ramirez, Ortiz (116) and the multi-tasking Betts (106) are enjoying the benefit of the team’s offensive explosion.
The offense has carried the team for much of the year, but now the starting pitching and bullpen have arrived. Putting the pieces together at the perfect time, Boston seems primed to finish the season strong. After two seasons away from October baseball, Red Sox fans are more than ready.
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Drew Pomeranz (10-12) takes the hill Sunday night for Boston, facing off against CC Sabathia (8-12) of the Yankees. After Sunday’s contest, the Red Sox will hit the road for their next ten games.