Chris Murphy earns his first major league win, ‘I feel like I belong here’
Red Sox southpaw Chris Murphy collected his first major league win on Sunday night. Boston defeated the Mets 6-1 from Fenway Park.
“It’s nothing short of amazing,” Murphy said post game to WEEI’s Castiglione and Will Flemming. “My journey up here has been special and these guys here have been nothing but gracious in inviting me to this team and making me feel part of it. It’s awesome.”
Murphy came into pitch following opener Brennan Bernardino tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
The Sox lefty tossed 3 2/3 innings and allowed one run, three hits and two walks with three strikeouts. He now owns a 1.80 ERA in 25 innings this season.
“Everything clicked for me even before I moved to the bullpen. I think I figured something out in Triple-A. Whether it was starting here or reliving here, I’m confident pitching in any role,” Murphy added.
Prior to his initial big league promotion, Murphy was far from efficient as a starter, he posted an 8.35 ERA in nine starts. He struggled with his command, walking 25 batters in 36 ⅔ innings. This resulted in the Sox moving Murphy to the bullpen and work on getting his command back.
And that might have been the best thing for the southpaw.
“I feel like I belong here,” said Murphy on why his numbers in the minors defer from the bigs. “Every game is meaningful here, we’re in the hunt. We’re trying to win every single game. Everyone in here cares… it’s one of those mentality’s we’re on board from pitch one.”
Coming off a series win over the Mets, the Sox are hot and within two games of the final wild-card spot.
Nick Pivetta, Murphy and Brandon Walter have all occupied the bulk innings role and have strived while key pitchers have been on the injured list.
“I think it’s definitely more than just me and Nick, the whole pitching staff, even the whole offense, we’re all stepping up. This team is hot right now,” said Murphy.
“We have a saying in the locker room, ‘when you’re hot, you’re hot,’ and that’s what’s going right now,” added Murphy.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
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