BOSTON — Xander Bogaerts’ enthusiasm is through the roof. It’s understandable.
The Red Sox sit six games under .500 (23-29) even after defeating the Minnesota Twins 1-0 in Tuesday’s series opener at Fenway Park. Boston struggled to produce offensively in the victory, suggesting its biggest issue still exists. But with the Sox reeling on the heels of a 1-6 road trip, the club needed something positive to kick off its seven-game homestand. And Bogaerts helped light the fire.
“Much needed. Probably the biggest win of the year coming off a tough road trip,” Bogaerts said. “Starting off the homestand on a positive note. (Wednesday) we have two games (as part of a doubleheader). Just coming here with the same excitement and ready to go (Wednesday) again.”
Bogaerts was the only hitter in the Red Sox’s lineup to collect more than one hit. His second hit was a huge, two-out double in the seventh inning. Rusney Castillo knocked him in for the game’s lone run two batters later.
It was the second consecutive encouraging performance for Bogaerts, who went 0-for-15 to begin Boston’s recent road trip before capping the journey with a three-hit effort Sunday against the Texas Rangers.
“He’s getting some pitches and not missing them,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said after Tuesday’s victory. “He gets a hanging slider tonight that he hammers off the center field wall.
“He’s doing a very good job of staying on pitches away and collecting (multiple) hits in a few of these games.”
Castillo’s RBI single served as the difference and Bogaerts’ two-bagger served as the catalyst. It’s not like hits came in bunches, but for a team having a hard time producing in the clutch, perhaps a 1-0 nail-biter that featured a couple of timely knocks will serve the same purpose that a 10-0 drubbing would have.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
