BOSTON — The highlight of Dustin Pedroia’s day came before a single pitch was thrown Friday. His performance on the diamond wasn’t too shabby, either.
Pedroia’s wife, Kelli, gave birth to the couple’s third son, Brooks, before Friday’s game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park. The proud father then went out and made a major impact in the Red Sox’s 10-3 victory over the Tribe.
Pedroia went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. He drilled a two-run double as part of a four-run seventh inning that opened the game up for Boston. Pedroia’s biggest contributions, however, came on the defensive side of the ball, where the second baseman made two terrific diving plays — one on a line drive and one on a ground ball.
Asdrubal Cabrera hit a line drive with one out in the first inning. Pedroia took a couple of steps to his right, laid out and robbed the Indians shortstop of a base hit.
Pedroia provided some more nifty glove work in the sixth inning with the Red Sox leading 5-3. Lonnie Chisenhall, who has been on a tear recently, ripped a ground ball to the right side. Pedroia ranged out onto the outfield grass to make a diving stop before popping up and tossing to first baseman Mike Napoli for the first out of the inning.
Pedroia’s two-run double off the wall in the seventh inning gave the Red Sox some breathing room and capped an all-around big day for the four-time All-Star — and now father of three.
