Why Red Sox Reliever Proud Of Pivotal Extra-Innings Performance

The Red Sox on Wednesday earned a much-needed win, and they did so through a complete team effort.

Rafael Devers delivered the walk-off win in the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. The clutch at-bat came after a bizarre ruling involving Tyler O’Neill and Kenley Jansen departing the matchup due to an injury.

Zack Kelly came on in extra innings in place of the Boston closer, and despite a wild pitch that allowed Luke Raley to advance to third, the reliever kept the runner on base to keep the game tied at two and allow Devers to hit the game-winning double.

“I was just trying to throw something they could put on the ground, not trying to leave anything they can drive,” Kelly told NESN’s Jahmai Webster on the network’s postgame coverage. “Obviously, the last couple outings haven’t been the best for me. I really needed one like that today. Just come back out there, pound the zone, get a zero and get the boys back in here.”

Kelly’s performance Wednesday night was a good bounce back after allowing a run in a 1/3 of an inning in Tuesday’s ugly loss. It was the first time the 29-year-old pitched a full inning since last Monday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, and his effort against the Mariners helped deliver the Red Sox their first series victory since the All-Star break.

“It’s huge,” Kelly said. “Obviously, the first couple series haven’t gone our way, but this one feels good. Hopefully, this can be the start of a good run for the boys.”

Boston has the day off Thursday before beginning a six-game road trip against fellow playoff contenders Friday.