Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela Envisioned Game-Winning Moment

Boston Red Sox fans could have just asked Ceddanne Rafaela how Wednesday’s game would end.

Rafaela hit the game-winning two-run homer in the ninth inning of Boston’s 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Despite Rafaela’s recent cold spell, the 24-year-old was confident he would deliver.

During his post-game interview with NESN’s Jahmai Webster, Rafaela said there was only one thing on his mind when he came to the plate in that key spot.

“I was going deep,” Rafaela said with a smile.

It was a bold prediction considering Rafaela hadn’t hit a home run since July 13. One of baseball’s hottest hitters going into the All-Star break is batting .197/.241/.295 in the second half.

Wednesday’s go-ahead home run was a massive relief for Rafaela amid a prolonged slump.

“It was great,” he said. “I’m having tough times. Wanted to help the team and finally came through. Yeah, it feels great right now.”

Rafaela credited his teammates for having his back and explained that he maintains an even-keeled approach in big situations. It’s not his first dramatic dinger, as right-hander belted a walk-off home run to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays on July 11.

“My team expects me to. They know,” Rafaela said of coming through in key spots. “My team, they’re behind me. They’re supporting me. It’s just keeping calm and not trying to do too much. Just do my best.”

Rafaela notably achieved his heroics while starting at center field. He has a .303 OPS when playing second base, but he’s also notched two doubles over the last two games as an outfielder.

Thanks to Rafaela’s timely shot, the Red Sox can complete a four-game sweep over the Orioles on Thursday. The division showdown starts at 1:10 p.m. ET.