This really isn't that difficult.
For the most part, the top of the Red Sox' lineup this season has been a graveyard — both in production and, also, excitement generated to set the tone for this team.
Once again, Andrew Benintendi was in the top spot for the Red Sox and it was a predictable disaster: 0 for 4, three strikeouts and five left on base, to sink his average to .061 this season. He literally has no clue up at the plate, and he just needs to go down to the bottom of the order while he sorts this all out.
Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez haven't been much better, and they were a combined 0 for 8 with five strikeouts and seven left on base on Friday night.
With that at the top of the lineup, it's a wonder the Red Sox ever score any runs.
"I think about this all the time," said Ron Roenicke. "What we should do, how we can jumpstart the offense."
Enter Alex Verdugo.
After going 3 for 4 in the second game of the season, he only had three over the next seven games. But, of late, he's erupted with three homers in the past two games.
DOS FOR DUGIE! pic.twitter.com/LWDJrlJxJk
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 8, 2020
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— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 8, 2020
- The Red Sox have won their last two games following a season-high-tying four-game losing streak.
- Boston walked a season-high 9 times, their most since Sept. 17 vs. San Francisco (10).
- The Red Sox hit multiple HR for the sixth time this season (3-3), and for the second straight game.
- Relievers have combined to allow 1 run in 10.0 IP over the last 2 games (3 H, 6 BB, 7 SO).