Entering Tuesday’s series opener in Atlanta, the Red Sox were on a five-game losing streak and in need of an offensive spark. The bats did the job in a 9-4 win headlined by a Rafael Devers grand slam. After the win, Alex Cora spoke to reporters and discussed the progress he saw offensively.
“The line was moving today,” Cora said. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish, right? The bottom of the lineup set the table for the big boys, and then they do what they do.”
Cora added that the lineup’s approach against Kyle Wright set the tone to control the game early on. The offense posted six runs before a bases-loaded walk from Alex Verdugo and a Trevor Story two-run single added three runs in the ninth to secure the victory.
“We didn’t add on until the end, but I think overall it was probably one of the best games we’ve had as far as controlling the zone,” Cora said. “He wasn’t able to use his fastball the way he had been using it. Overall, we did a good job.”
After sending a 96-mile-per-hour fastball of the façade above the bullpen in right-center field, Cora complimented the recent stretch at the plate for Rafael Devers.
Rafael Devers - Boston Red Sox (5) pic.twitter.com/Wri4fx6xGJ
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 11, 2022
“Overall, a lot of good at-bats,” Cora said. “He’s locked in right now with his swing and the quality of the at-bats are phenomenal.”
Boston looks to win the two-game series on Wednesday. Nathan Eovaldi will be on the mound.
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