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WATCH: Red Sox hit playoff record five home runs in win over Rays

Alex Barth October 8th
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

After getting shutout in Game 1 of the ALDS, the Red Sox’s bats responded in a big way in Game 2 Friday night. They totaled 20 hits and 14 runs, as Boston tied the series at a game a piece.

It was as much quality performance as it was a quantity one for the Sox’s lineup. They combined for nine extra base hits including five home runs – a few franchise single-game postseason record. The Red Sox had previously hit four home runs in a playoff game five times – most recently in Game 5 of the 2018 World Series.

Who provided the launching pad at the Trop in Game 2? Here’s a look at all five Red Sox home runs from the game…

  • Xander Bogaerts (398 feet)

    Despite scoring twice in the top of the first, the Red Sox fell behind quickly after Chris Sale allowed five runs in the bottom of the inning. Xander Bogaerts was the first to begin turning the tide back the other way with his third inning solo-shot off Tampa starter Shane Baz.

  • Alex Verdugo (377 feet)

    Bogaerts’ home run chased Baz from the game, and the Rays turned to former Red Sox reliever Collin McHugh. McHugh’s first batter didn’t go any better than Baz’s last, as Alex Verdugo took him deep to get the game within a run.

  • Kiké Hernandez (393 feet)

    The Red Sox would get to McHugh again. Leading off the fifth inning, Hernandez took him deep to left field to tie the game. It was one of four extra base hits for the Red Sox center fielder on the night – he paired the home run with a trio of doubles.

  • J.D. Martinez (412 feet)

    That wouldn’t be all the noise the Red Sox would make in the fifth inning. Matt Wisler replaced McHugh, but had to face J.D. Martinez with two runners on. Martinez – who was playing for the first time since injuring his ankle in the regular season finale on Sunday – lifted the ball to dead center field for a three-run home run that gave the Red Sox their first lead since the first inning.

  • Rafael Devers (425 feet)

    Boston’s lead would eventually grow to 9-6 entering the eighth inning. Certainly some cushion, but hardly comfortable given the kind of offensive night it was. But Devers would provide the home run to put the game out of reach, a two-run blast off Michael Wacha.

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Red Sox. Alex Barth 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
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