During the first month of the season, Aviles torched opposing pitchers, clubbing 5 home runs and 17 RBIs. After cooling off for a few weeks, the Red Sox shortstop resumed his hot hitting, launching homers in three straight games from May 18 to 20.
Since then, Aviles had experienced a power outage until Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Rays. In the second inning, he smacked Rays starter James Shields' 89 mph slider over the centerfield wall for a two-run shot.
It's blast that many should've seen coming. Since drilling a double in last Saturday's nightcap against the Yankees, Aviles has been finding himself on base rather frequently, collecting a hit in every game that he's played.
As he steamrolls through the start of the second half, Aviles is sizzling once again and it bodes well for the Red Sox.
During the five-game stretch since the Yankees series, the shortstop is 7-for-14, including four extra-base hits. It's a far cry from his struggles during the first five games in July, when he sputtered through a 2-for-18 slump.
After an explosive start to the season, the power punch has been missing from Aviles' arsenal. Since May 20, the 31-year-old has only unloaded two round-trippers –– Sunday's shot and a homer on June 20.
With his 2-for-4 effort in the rubber match against the Rays, Aviles also notched his first consecutive multi-hit games since the middle of June, when he was savoring his last hot streak. Based on his track record, Aviles could be destined for a few more clutch hits.
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