USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) reacts after hitting a double against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning in game one of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) reacts after hitting a double against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning in game one of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox produced one of their finest hitting displays in the Minute Maid Park yesterday to level the ALCS against the Houston Astros. While Enrique “Kike” Hernandez produced a stunning performance in vain on Friday, it didn’t end the same way for the 30-year-old yesterday.
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Hernandez’s exploits in this year’s postseason continue to amaze many, which include his teammate Alex Verdugo. In fact, the 25-year-old outfielder referenced a Red Sox legend while crowning a nickname for Kike.
Alex Verdugo involves Babe Ruth in his nickname for Kike Hernandez
While many may associate Ruth with the New York Yankees, several Red Sox fans still hold him in high regard. In fact, the iconic hitter started his MLB career in Boston, winning three World Series titles with them in 1915, 1916 and 1918. He also features in the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, which shows the impact he had on the franchise.
Following the Red Sox’s victory over the Astros yesterday, Verdugo praised Hernandez by giving him a nickname.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 16, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Alex Verdugo (99) and center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) and right fielder Hunter Renfroe (10) celebrate after the Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros in game two of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
He involved Ruth in this nickname, while giving two different variants of it. He said, “Like I said, it’s Kike ‘The Babe’ Ruth! Or Kike ‘The Babe’ Hernandez!”
Looks like @kikehndez has a new nickname. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/XSrLh7nn01
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2021
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Hernandez continues to shine for the Boston Red Sox
While two Grand Slams from J. D. Martinez and Rafael Devers stole the show yesterday, Hernandez kept his excellent postseason form going. In the top of the fourth inning, he smashed a solo home run to give the Red Sox a 9-0 lead.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 16, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Enrique Hernandez (5) hits a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning in game two of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Puerto Rican joined the Red Sox season after winning his maiden World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year. He finished yesterday’s game with two runs and one RBI, as he looks to clinch consecutive World Series titles.
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With the series tied at 1-1, it now moves to Boston for the next three games. Game 3 takes place on Monday, October 18 with the Red Sox hoping to lead the series after this game in Fenway Park.
