MLB Rankings: Greatest Hits in Week-12
T-7. Christian Vazquez, 43 percent
The Red Sox have become walk-off specialists over the past 10 days, winning twice and losing once in that fashion. Vazquez’ home run against the Toronto Blue Jays Friday night wrote the most recent chapter.
The hit capped a game-long comeback for the Sox, who trailed 4-0 in the third inning. A three-run seventh fueled by four hits brought Boston within a run at 5-4, and they tied it in the eighth on Rafael Devers’ run-producing single, which scored Jackie Bradley Jr..
With Devers carrying the potential go-ahead run, Vazquez entered the game as a pinch hitter for catcher Sandy Leon. But he lined out, and Devers died at first when Mookie Betts popped up to end the inning.
Red Sox reliever Brandon Workman escaped danger in the top of the 10th after walking Cavan Biggio and intentionally walking Rowdy Tellez. In the bottom of the 10th, Jays pitcher Jordan Romano struck out Michael Chavis and Bradley, then got an 0-2 count on Marco Hernandez.
But Romano hit Hernandez with that 0-2 offering, sending him to first base and giving Vazquez a chance. He cashed the opportunity, driving a 3-2 pitch into the bullpens in deep right-center for a game-ending home run.