Red Sox Rookie Marcelo Mayer Shines with Multi-Homer Game in Victory Over Rays
BOSTON (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night, Boston Red Sox rookie Marcelo Mayer delivered a standout performance, hitting two of the team’s four solo home runs in a tight 4-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mayer, aged just 22 years and 181 days, became the youngest Red Sox player to achieve a multi-homer game since Rafael Devers in 2018. His first blast came in the second inning, where he launched a 418-foot shot over the right field wall. Just two innings later, he struck again, belting a 410-foot homer, showcasing his impressive power and composure at the plate.
The Red Sox’s offensive effort also included contributions from Jarren Duran, who opened the game with a first-pitch homer, and Abraham Toro, who provided a crucial go-ahead shot in the fifth inning.
On the mound, Walker Buehler (5-4) shone for the Red Sox, allowing three runs on six hits across seven innings while striking out seven, securing his fifth victory since returning from the injured list. Aroldis Chapman closed the game with a scoreless ninth, earning his 12th save of the season.
Tampa Bay’s Yandy Díaz contributed with a two-run homer, but the Rays struggled against Boston’s pitching, as Zack Littell (6-6) allowed eight hits while striking out six over six innings.
Boston’s bullpen faced a late-game challenge when Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the eighth inning, but Greg Wiessert managed to strike out Matt Thaiss, preserving the lead.
With this win, the Red Sox secured their second series victory over the Rays this season and prepare for an upcoming three-game series against the New York Yankees.
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