BOSTON — Mookie Betts sure stole Tom Brady’s spotlight.
With the Fenway Park crowd at Monday’s home opener still buzzing after Brady’s ceremonial first pitch to David Ortiz, Betts sent Red Sox fans into a frenzy, first by robbing Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper of a home run and then by aggressively stealing two bases on one play.
Betts, who robbed Harper in the top of the first inning, showed off his speed, awareness and willingness to roll the dice in the home half of the frame with Ortiz batting. The 22-year-old stole second base, popped up, immediately noticed no one was covering third base and darted for the extra bag.
The Nationals challenged the play, contesting that Betts was out at either second base or third base. Betts was safe at both destinations, though, and the call was upheld after a review of approximately three minutes.
Ortiz knocked in Betts for Boston’s first run of the game moments later. The young outfielder then homered in the second inning to keep his good times rolling.
