Boston Red Sox: Top 5 performances from a victorious ALDS series

No. 3: Christian Vazquez’s Game 3 heroics

It’s probably safe to say that Christian Vazquez’s walk-off home run in the 13th inning of Game 3 was the most important play of the series. Just a few minutes before this, it seemed like the Rays had taken the lead thanks to Kevin Kiermaier, only to have the call reversed, ensuring the Sox could win the game with just one run in the bottom half of the inning. Vazquez decided one wasn’t enough, and got two instead.

Much has been made about the Kiermaier play, but it ultimately is irrelevant considering Vazquez would have ended the game either way with one swing. It felt like the balance of the series was up in the air, and was beginning to swing towards Tampa Bay’s side. Vazquez stepped up and ensured that wouldn’t be the case, and gave Boston the ammunition they needed to make sure there wouldn’t be a Game 5.

Vazquez had to be at the bottom of the list of people who were expected to end this game, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Vazquez seemingly lost his power stroke this season, but proved that when his team needed a home run the most, he was capable of stepping up and delivering.

It felt like Boston needed to win Game 3 in order to have a shot at winning the series, especially after they coughed a lead earlier in the game. Vazquez made sure that the lead wouldn’t be squandered, and sent the fans home happy after a 13 inning marathon. While Vazquez had the play of the night, he was ultimately outdone by the pitcher who saved them on the other side.