By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Mookie Betts picked a great night to deliver his biggest game of the season. The right fielder launched three home runs on Friday night as the Red Sox thumped the Yankees for the second straight game, winning by a 10-5 final.
Betts hit all three homers in his first three at-bats of the game as the Red Sox jumped to a 7-0 lead after just four innings. They put a hurting on the starting pitcher for the second game in a row, lighting up Yankees lefty James Paxton for the first seven runs.
J.D. Martinez also homered in the first inning to follow up Betts’ leadoff blast.
Betts’ 4-for-5, three-homer night raised his batting average to .289 and his OPS to .906 on the season. He’s up to 18 home runs and 54 RBIs in what’s been a relative step back from his MVP season in 2018. Perhaps his monster night is the sign that bigger things are to come for the Red Sox’ leadoff hitter.
On the mound, Andrew Cashner had by far his best outing as a member of the Red Sox in his third start since coming over from the Orioles. The veteran righty held the Yankees off the scoreboard for the first five innings, finishing with three runs allowed in 6.2. Cashner struck out six against just one walk in a solid bounceback effort.
Up Next: The Red Sox will look to keep it rolling on Saturday at Fenway Park. Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 4.10 ERA) takes on C.C. Sabathia (5-5, 4.50 ERA) in a battle of southpaws.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.