Against all odds, the Boston Red Sox managed to snatch a huge win over divisional rival Toronto Blue Jays for the series opener.
Alex Cora's team had lost both Jonathan Arauz and Christian Vasquez right before the game, while Kevin Plawecki had also tested positive for COVID-19. That forced prospect Connor Wong to prove what he got and he didn't disappoint, driving in the game-winning run with a sac fly.
It Felt Like A Playoff Game, Says Cora
The Blue Jays are one of the strongest candidates in the American League this season. That's why Cora viewed this game as if it was the playoffs already, going for the win rather than taking a more conservative approach.
“It seemed like a playoff game, right, and I managed it like a playoff game,” Cora said after the game. “It was a very heavy day for everybody. A lot of stuff going on and you know what? I went for the win.”Whitlock Is Fine After A Scary Slide
The win didn't come without a big scare, though, as reliever Garrett Whitlock tore a hole in his pant while sliding to catch a throw from Bobby Dalbec to get Raimel Tapia out.
Trainers had to get on the field to check on Whitlock and his knee, but fortunately, it was just a scare:
“That was about as un-athletic as I could ever look,” Whitlock laughingly said. “He’s doing OK. He just has a raspberry or strawberry, whatever they call it," Cora added.Cora Is Still Getting To Know His New Bullpen
The Red Sox added four new arms to their bullpen this season, making it a point of emphasis after having one of the most volatile bullpens in MLB in 2021.
Alex Cora is still working his way out with the bullpen and he's used Whitlock in long-relief situations. This time, however, he felt like bringing him in was the right move to win the game:
“I took a chance with Whit,” Cora said. “That’s not the perfect situation to use him. We’d like to stretch him out. But where we were in the game, and the game that it was, I felt going to him (was best).”The Bullpen Is A Work In Progress, Says Cora
The bullpen is still a work in progress but Cora is confident that there won't be the same issues that hurt them last season:
“We’re still learning,” Cora said. “It’s not easy. I’ve been saying it all along. There’s certain guys that have to step up. And hopefully (Matt) Barnes can get to where we want him to get and take over.”Right now, they're sitting at a 6-5 record and tied with the Blue Jays for the first place in the division, so the next couple of games will be key as they look to establish their dominance over the toughest rival in the division.
]]>The Inquisitr
