The Seattle Mariners must really be sick of Shane Victorino.
Victorino, who entered Thursday’s game with the best all-time average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage against the Mariners (minimum 40 plate appearances), launched his first home run of 2015 in the fourth inning and made a tremendous defensive play in the seventh inning to start a key a double play in the Boston Red Sox’s 2-1 win over Seattle at Safeco Field.
Justin Ruggiano, pinch-hitting for Seth Smith against Tommy Layne in the seventh, lifted a fly ball to deep right field with one out and a runner on first base. Victorino, who has been hampered by injuries this season, raced back toward the warning track and made a tremendous, over-the-shoulder catch.
The grab was good, but the veteran outfielder then had the wherewithal to quickly fire an accurate throw to first baseman Mike Napoli, who made a fantastic pick to complete a game-changing double play.
If that wasn’t enough, Victorino celebrated in style. The Flyin’ Hawaiian pumped his fist following the unique double play, which undoubtedly infused some energy into the Red Sox, who scored in the ninth inning to squeak out a hard-fought victory.
[tweet https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/599072519174270977Â align=’center’%5D
It’s been a rocky couple of seasons for Victorino since his 2013 playoff heroics. Perhaps a few games against the Mariners is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images
