It had been nearly a week since the Red Sox scored more than four runs in a game, but David Ortiz‘ fourth inning home run was the catalyst that finally broke a struggling Sox offense out of their recent rut.
Ortiz fired a shot off Miami starter Ricky Nolasco that landed some 15 rows into the left-field seats at Marlins Park. The blast was a pleasant surprise for the Sox and provided the team with an energy that apparently even Felix Doubront‘s 5 2/3 inning no-hit bid couldn’t.
Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has been thoroughly impressed with Big Papi all season, and expressed his appreciation for the slugger after Wednesday’s 10-2 win.
“He’s been the one constant we’ve had, day in and day out,” Valentine said of Ortiz. “That home run really lit our fire.”
Boston went on to score 10 runs in the win, dropping double digits on an opponent for the first time in nearly a month — May 13 in a 12-1 win against Cleveland. The onslaught of runs was a welcome sight for Red Sox fans, and definitely instilled a good deal of faith back into the middling lineup.
The Red Sox snagged their fifth win of June on the evening, pulling back within a game of .500 as they head for a weekend in Chicago and three games with the Cubs. The win was certainly important for a team that is currently digging themselves out of a 3-7 hole, but even more important than the win was the confidence that suddenly appears to be reemerging within this once anemic offense.
Valentine recognized the team’s strides on the offensive ends, providing little tidbits of praise for his team and inspiring them with words of confidence.
“It’s exciting to see, good to see [our team score runs]. It was a due,” a cautiously confident Valentine said. “This team can score a lot of runs.”
As the likes of Dustin Pedroia, 2-for-5 with an RBI, Adrian Gonzalez, 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and even Nick Punto, 2-for-2 with a pair of RBIs, swing their way into a groove at the dish, the offensive numbers will reciprocate. The offensive firepower may begin with Ortiz, but with the talent and power loaded onto this Red Sox roster there can sometimes be no end to their assaults.
Wednesday’s win may have been the initial onslaught for a reincarnated offense, but as the confidence grows so will the runs. It may have taken longer than many expected, but as the pitching continues to impress and Ortiz continues to lead, the offense can only get better.
