Rafael Devers two home runs powers the Red Sox past the Rays
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kiké Hernández both provided solo homers
Welcome to the Sox Dingrs Report for March 26, 2022!
The Red Sox played host to the Tampa Bay Rays from JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday. Boston was entering the contest having lost three straight spring games.
While spring training games mean nothing in the spirit of wins and losses, the Sox were able to get back into the win column. Manager Alex Cora’s lineup hit four home runs, leading the Sox to a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay.
Rafael Devers powers the offense with two homers
In the bottom of the first inning, Rafael Devers started the scoring with a solo shot to right field off Rays starter Corey Kluber. Devers solo homer was his second of the spring and it would not be last of the game.
The All-Star third baseman crushed a mammoth big fly to deep center field. Devers homer gave Boston a 4-2 lead and the Sox offense would add two more later in the game.
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kiké Hernández homer in the win
Jackie Bradley Jr. also added a solo shot of his own off Kluber in the second inning. Bradley would drive in Bobby Dalbec who singled to get on-base prior to the homer. He would finish the game 1-for-2 with two-run dinger and a walk, Bradley Jr. is now hitting .250 this spring.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Kiké Hernández led off with his second home run of the spring off Rays reliever Matt Wisler. Hernández’ blast was crushed deep over the Green Monster in left field.
The 30-year-old Hernández has now hit homers in back-to-back games. Hernández is now batting .364 this spring and looks to be leadoff hitter in Cora's lineup this season.
The Red Sox were able to snap their three game losing streak and now have improved their spring record to 7-3. Boston will travel to Hammond Stadium on Sunday to play the Twins. Garrett Whitlock will get the start for the Red Sox as he is vying for a spot in the rotation.
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