Jacoby Ellsbury a Boon for Boston in Leadoff Spot

The Red Sox have had one of the more explosive offenses in baseball over the past two months, belting a league-high 79 home runs since July 30. Leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury contributed to that total on Sunday afternoon, hitting his eighth home run of the year as part of a 3-for-4 day as the Red Sox strolled to a 9-3 victory over the Orioles.

After the game, the speedy center fielder talked with NESN’s Heidi Watney, explaining the changes in his approach that he’s gone through this season.

“I’ve always pretty much been a leadoff hitter,” Ellsbury said. “When I got bumped down in the lineup, I just wanted to help the team win. But when I got put back in the leadoff spot, I was happy about that.

“It’s my job just to go out and produce every day.”

Ellsbury, who recorded his team-best 56th multihit game of the season, also drove in three runs. His impact was felt immediately in the first, when he led off with a walk, stole second and later scored the first run of the game.

For Ellsbury, it was business as usual.

“Just being consistent, going out there every day prepared and ready to play and just being on the field,” he said. “That’s been the biggest thing.”

It’s working. Over the course of the long season, watching Ellsbury move around the bases and crossing the plate has become one of the more reliable sights for Red Sox fans.