USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) hits a double against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) hits a double against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After suffering a heavy defeat in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, the Boston Red Sox made a strong comeback in Game 2 on Friday. Despite the Rays’ impeccable record in Tropicana Field, the Red Sox produced a fine display of hitting as they tied the series 1-1.
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The night belonged to the Red Sox’s hitters in Tampa Bay. In fact, they recorded a stunning feat in their postseason history en route to a dominant 14-6 victory.
Boston Red Sox smash five home runs against the Tampa Bay Rays
The Red Sox started Friday’s game brightly, racing to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. However, they fell behind immediately as the Rays produced magic in the bottom of the first. Randy Arozarena scored their first run of the game, which brought Jordan Luplow to the home plate. With all bases loaded, Luplow smashed a Grand Slam to give the Rays a 5-2 lead.
Despite this setback, the Red Sox came back in exquisite fashion. Xander Bogaerts smashed their first home run in the top of the third inning, reducing the deficit to 5-3.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Alex Verdugo (99) hits a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
25-year-old Alex Verdugo followed Bogaerts up in the same inning, smashing another solo home run to bring the Red Sox to within one. In the top of the fifth inning, Enrique “Kike” Hernandez tied the score with their third home run of the game. This sent the Red Sox dugout wild, and their night would only get better.
In the same inning, J. D. Martinez scored a crucial three-run home run which gave the Red Sox an 8-5 lead. They then scored their fifth home run in the top of the eighth. Rafael Devers joined the party with a two-run home run to give the Red Sox a commanding 11-6 lead.
For the first time in @RedSox #postseason history, they have hit 5 HR in a game. pic.twitter.com/wPc6EtuDAP
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 9, 2021
This marked the first instance that the Red Sox scored five home runs in a single postseason game. Prior to this, they hit four runs in a single playoff game on five occasions.
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The series now moves to Fenway Park
Red Sox fans may regard this win as a much-needed one in terms of home advantage. With two games completed in Tampa Bay, the series now moves to Boston for the next two games.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) and shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) and third baseman Rafael Devers (11) celebrate after Hernandez hits a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in game two of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Game 3 of the ALDS between the Red Sox and the Rays will take place in Fenway Park on Sunday, October 10.
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