The Red Sox defeated the Yankees in a thrilling game on Friday night, thanks to Masataka Yoshida’s heroic home run in the top of the ninth inning. Down to his last strike, Yoshida launched a two-run shot to tie the game and force extras. Ceddanne Rafaela also contributed with a two-run homer to secure a 5-3 win for Boston.
Yoshida, who had been trending upwards before the game, had struggled earlier in the matchup but came up clutch when it mattered most. His season has been inconsistent, but his recent performance has shown promise, with an 8-21 batting average in his last five games. Manager Alex Cora praised Yoshida for finding his rhythm and delivering in a crucial moment.
The home run was only Yoshida’s third of the season, with his last one dating back to April. Despite his lack of power hitting, Yoshida is batting .259 with 18 RBI and a .327 on-base percentage this season. His game-tying shot against the Yankees showed his ability to come through in pressure situations.
The Red Sox manager highlighted the team’s resilience and talent, emphasizing their ability to continue fighting until the end. With this win, the Red Sox have not only defeated their rivals but also gained a confidence boost from Yoshida’s clutch performance.
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Photo credit www.boston.com