Trevor Story Had Predictable Reaction To Home Run, Red Sox Win

The Boston Red Sox need that version of Trevor Story.

Story, who entered Friday’s matchup with the Atlanta Braves having gone 16-for-121 with 42 strikeouts dating back to April 22, started to show signs of life in what would eventually become a much-needed victory — getting the party started with a mammoth two-run home run that reached the second deck at Truist Park.

It’s the type of outcome everyone is hoping can help spark a turnaround, including the man himself.

“Just felt good to get one in that fashion,” Story said, as transcribed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “It has been a tough month. Feels like six months.”

Story started out hot, hitting .337 with five home runs, 15 RBIs and an .894 OPS through 23 games, but things got ugly from there. The Red Sox have gotten almost nothing from their second-highest-paid player in the month-plus since, with many calling for him to lose his starting spot amid a roster shuffle that could introduce both Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony into the lineup.

Boston has held him on a long leash, however, and with what those inside the clubhouse are saying, a turnaround might be in the cards.

“I’m always looking for little moments to build on,” Story said. “They have been few and far between this year but hitting the ball like that can go a long way. But like I said, it’s more about the process of the at-bats and me sticking to my plan. The last series there in Milwaukee, not much to show for it, but just how I’m feeling in the box and the competition within the at-bats, I feel really good about.”

Story painted a different picture earlier in the month, as he admitted to feeling lost at the plate after failing to find success despite adjustments. The Red Sox will have to wait and see whether there’s a correlation between feeling good and producing, and at this point, there needs to be one before difficult decisions are made.