Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia, Fenway ‘energy’ fuels Sox over Yankees

Boston Red Sox retired second baseman Dustin Pedroia has been a part of some great victories of the New York Yankees during his career. So, it was fitting that Pedey got to witness a Sox 5-3 victory over the heated AL East rivals on an electric night at Fenway Park.

In fact, the tone of the game was set before a pitch was even thrown.  On a night celebrating the playing career of one of the most determined, energetic players in Red Sox history, the current players certainly fed off the electricity in the air.

Boston Red Sox keep finding ways to beat the New York Yankees

Although Martin Perez only lasted 3 2/3 innings, he was picked up early by the offense as Xander Bogaerts and Hunter Renfroe delivered run scoring doubles in the first inning.  The early noise by the offense was obviously sparked by the atmosphere of the night.

As always is the case at Fenway, when that park is buzzing, the team feeds off it and starts rocking.

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"“The fact that everybody was here early, the fans, that’s something different, but obviously for the right reason,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said following the game, via MLB.com.  “I have to give it to the fans, for them to show up and bring the energy from the get-go with Pedey, and then keeping it going all the way through the end.  I’ve been saying Friday nights at Fenway are cool.  They’re pretty cool, and it was another great atmosphere.”"

Timely offense, nice defensive plays and a strong performance by the bullpen are certainly the ingredients for an energetic victory, especially on a night celebrating Dustin Pedroia, especially a game against those threaded Yankees.

Boston Red Sox player who shined: Hunter Renfroe again sparked energy

In what is becoming one of the most underrated free agent signings in the offseason, outfielder Hunter Renfroe continues to make things happen at the plate and in the outfield.

On Friday night, the outfielder not only sparked the offense with a run-scoring double, he also prevented a run from scoring with this awesome assist from the outfield gunning down Gio Urshela in his attempt to score from second base.

If there is ever a reason this Red Sox team continues to perform above expectations, it is because of players like Renfroe who continue to deliver in situations like those.

Boston Red Sox bullpen doesn’t let team down

Again, not a great night by Martin Perez who allowed three unearned run in those 3 2/3 innings pitched, but the bullpen came in and did their thing by recording the final 16 outs without allowing another run in the game.

As a defensive blunder from Bogaerts allowed the Yankees to tie the game at 3-3, the Red Sox shortstop praised the bullpen for picking him up and preventing the Yankees from doing even more damage.

"“These guys picked me up big time,” Bogaerts said.  “Just continued putting up zeros after I messed up.  It was a rough feeling for me, and these guys came in and they did a great job.  I still don’t know how I missed it, because normally I catch pretty much everything that’s hit to me.  Once I missed that one, that really hurt.  That was an awesome win.”"

It was and, on a night, celebrating the intensity of a player like Dustin Pedroia, the Red Sox faithful was treated to a solid victory that featured a little bit of everything.  Good offense, good defensive plays, solid bullpen pitching and above all, another victory over that team from the Bronx.