BOSTON — Rich Hill was dominant in the Red Sox’s 7-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, but it was Mookie Betts who put the finishing touches on the left-hander’s complete game shutout.
The outfielder has been playing in right field for only a week, but he made a highlight-reel catch to rob Orioles first baseman Chris Davis of a two-run home run and end the game.
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“When he hit it, I didn’t know if it was going to go way over or over by a little, but I took off running and put my head down and got close to the wall and some way was able to jump and catch it,” Betts said.
The catch was reminiscent of one Betts didn’t make on July 28 against the Chicago White Sox, where he fell into the bullpen and ended up with a concussion. This time, however, Betts was ready for the impact and pulled himself out before going over.
“I’ve had some experience going over the wall,” Betts joked. “I’ve kind of learned how to brace myself. ”
With the Red Sox looking to solidify the outfield positions among Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo, Betts might have inadvertently made a case to stay in right. And if that’s how it ends up, the outfielder wouldn’t mind at all.
“I just want to be on the team and be in the lineup and do whatever it takes to win the World Series,” Betts said.
