The Red Sox’ offense lowered the boom on the Tigers and Yankees last week, scoring 59 runs over seven games en route to a pair of series victories.
Will Middlebrooks and Mike Napoli, who both suffered through brutal slumps earlier this season, led that offensive charge, and Major League Baseball recognized their efforts, naming them Co-Players of the Week in the American League.
The two combined to go 23-for-49 (.469) over the seven-day stretch, with each tallying four home runs and nine RBIs. Both players homered in the Red Sox’ 20-4 rout of Detroit last Wednesday, and Napoli’s grand slam two nights later was pivotal in a 12-8 comeback victory at Yankee Stadium.
Middlebrooks followed with a dramatic home run of his own on Sunday, taking Mariano Rivera deep to tie the score in the ninth, but a wild pitch in the bottom of the frame allowed the Yankees to salvage the series finale.
The Red Sox will have Monday off before opening a three-game set Tuesday night against the Rays in Tampa.
