Boston Red Sox: 3 young stars shine in Game 68 win at Camden Yards

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a two run home run with Xander Bogaerts #2 in the second inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a two run home run with Xander Bogaerts #2 in the second inning during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

A determined Rafael Devers 

Call it an early sophomore slump, but it appears Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers is working his way out of early season struggles at the plate.

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After delivering a big double to set up Monday night’s 2-0, Devers belted his 10th home run of the season in the second inning to put his team up 2-1.  With now 20 homers in his young career, Devers made a bit of team history by moving up to third on the list of homers hit by players prior to their 22nd birthday.

While the focus is on getting on base and driving in runs, the power aspect of his game has always been.  It is the hitting for contact part that he wants to improve on.  In doing that, he will increase his average and RBI totals.

"“I’ve always been someone who hits for power,” Devers said following the game.  I’ve hit various home runs in my career so far, but I think of myself as more of a contact hitter even though I’m striking out a lot right now.  But hopefully that changes.”"

It looks like they are starting to change for Devers who is getting the at-bats he needs despite the struggles.  Kudos to Alex Cora for sticking with him and allowing him to work his way out of it at the plate.