Watch Rafael Devers' incredible 2 home runs: Red Sox beat Orioles 19-5
Boston Red Sox scored 13 runs in the eighth inning, their second-most in a single inning in 50 years, as Rafael Devers recorded a career-high eight RBIs and the team collected 20 hits in the series opener.
Rafael Devers was one for the record books on Friday afternoon, belting two home runs and driving in a career-high eight RBIs as the Boston Red Sox pummeled the slumping Baltimore Orioles, 19–5, in the first game of a day-night doubleheader at Fenway Park. The demolition was one of the most prolific offenses of the MLB season and came on what the Red Sox have dubbed Rafael Devers Day. The Orioles, who have been struggling as of late, have now lost five straight while they continue to be in last place in the American League East.
Boston entered the sixth inning down 2–1 before scoring eight runs in the sixth inning alone and then ten runs in the eighth inning. Devers provided a game-changing three-run homer to give Boston their first lead of the game and capped off his day with a five-RBI eighth inning, which was once again powered by his grand slam. As for the scoring explosion, this was the Red Sox's first time scoring this many runs since August of 2021, and everyone at the plate made contributions in an epic night.
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Devers leads record-breaking Red Sox offense
Rafael Devers continued his amazing 2024 season with four hits, including his 12th home run of the year and seventh career grand slam, which was his second in a span of six days. He also continued his dominance against lefty Gregory Soto because he homered for the fifth time in only 10 career at-bats against the Orioles reliever. Devers also leads the majors in RBIs with 47.
Boston's 13-run 8th inning was the team's second-highest run total in an inning over the last 50 years, only to a 14-run inning in 2003. The Red Sox also become the first team since the Yankees in 2005 to score 13 runs in the 8th or later. Devers finished off the frame with a grand slam off infielder Emmanuel Rivera, who was pressed into pitching and gave up eight runs, raising his ERA to 72.00.
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Orioles' struggles continue as Red Sox dominate
The loss continued a tough stretch for the Baltimore Orioles, who have lost 15 of their last 18 games including 5 of their last 6 since firing manager Brandon Hyde, and remain 16-33 overall. The interim manager, Tony Mansolino, was unable to stabilize the team, as they fell to 16-33 overall on Wednesday night. After jumping out to an early 1-0 lead, the Orioles were unable to stop the Boston Red Sox constant offensive barrage, which saw eight Red Sox players score multiple runs, just one short of the teams record.
Rob Refsnyder had four RBIs, including a three-run home run in the eighth inning and Jarren Duran added three RBIs to the mix. Third baseman Alex Bregman left the game for the Red Sox with right quadriceps tightness, which will be evaluated ahead of the nightcap.
