The Boston Red Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night, 7-5, at Fenway Park, causing them to drop the four-game series against Tampa Bay and fall to a .500 record at 22-22. Despite a strong start, the Red Sox are now in fourth place in the American League East.
On the bright side, Rafael Devers made some history, placing himself alongside Nomar Garciaparra in the team record books, showing the team’s resolve despite the loss.
Boston was trailing 5-1 in the fifth inning but managed to score three runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to tie the game at 5-5. Despite their efforts, Alex Cora’s team couldn’t take the lead and ultimately lost in the top of the ninth.
Rafael Devers hit a home run in the second inning, bringing his career total to 178 home runs. According to @SoxNotes on social media:
“Rafael Devers now has 178 HR, tied with Nomar Garciaparra for 12th most in Red Sox history.”
The top home run hitters in Red Sox history include:
10. Rico Petrocelli – 210
11. Jason Varitek – 193
T12. Rafael Devers – 178
T12. Nomar Garciaparra – 178
As long as he remains healthy, Devers is certain to surpass Garciaparra this season and likely overtake Varitek as well. Despite a slow start, Devers is now batting .288 with a .902 OPS. He has hit six home runs and driven in 16 runs, even after dealing with some shoulder issues earlier in the season.
At 27 years old, Devers is now the cornerstone of the Red Sox franchise following the departures of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. With a lifetime batting average of .281, he is one of the most productive position players in baseball.
