Red Sox fans should love Alex Verdugo’s reaction to clutch performance
Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo delivered in the clutch with both his bat and his glove on Wednesday, making a game-ending catch and driving in the go-ahead run over the course of Boston’s double-header sweep of the Minnesota Twins.
First, Verdugo made a diving catch in left field to save the Sox from allowing the tying run, closing out a 3-2 win in the first leg of the double-header. In the second game, Verdugo came to the plate with the game tied 1-1 with two outs in the fifth inning, and ripped a 2-2 pitch for a base hit that drove in the two eventual game-winning runs.
Verdugo said after the game that making plays in big moments, whether it’s him or his teammates, helps fuel him as a competitor.
“I’ve always been a very emotional player,” Verdugo said (via MLB.com). “Whether it’s good or bad, I like to show some emotions, and obviously when we come through and we make big plays or score some runs and take a lead or something like that, those are big moments, and those are kind of game changers.”
Verdugo seems like the kind of player that winning teams need in their DNA. He has a combination of talent and competitiveness that not every player has within themselves. Comparing him to Mookie Betts for the rest of his career wouldn’t be fair. But the early returns on Verdugo for the Red Sox’ surprisingly hot start have been good to see.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
