The Boston Red Sox have been able to rely on Adrian Gonzalez for quite a few things this season, which makes sense considering he's an AL MVP candidate, but the first baseman was struggling with his power numbers as of late. That all changed Tuesday night, however, as Gonzalez hit two home runs to help the visitors to an 11-5 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Red Sox Vs. Rangers: Adrian Gonzalez Breaks Slump In Boston Win
Adrian Gonzalez belted two home runs as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Texas Rangers 11-5 on Tuesday night in Texas.
Gonzalez’s two homers came after being held inside the park for 84 consecutive at-bats prior to Tuesday night’s game. As has been the case once in awhile throughout his career, however, Gonzalez came through in the clutch with three RBIs within the first four innings to all but ensure the road team’s victory.
“You can’t control that,” Gonzalez told MLB.com when asked about his recent lack of home run power. “I’m hitting for average this year, or a higher average. If I wasn’t hitting for average and not hitting home runs, I’d be worried about it. But I’m getting on base, hitting for average, you know. The main thing is we’re in a good position to get in the playoffs.”
Considering both teams in Tuesday night's game seem in good position to make the postseason -- Boston's record is 78-50 while the Rangers are 74-56 -- the win was a good one for starter John Lackey and his Sox. Unfortunately, Rangers starter Colby Lewis wasn't quite as lucky.
Lewis had posted just one loss in his last nine outings, but was shellacked by the Red Sox for seven runs in six innings, including both of Gonzalez’s bombs. Lewis was in oddly good spirits after the game, though, according to his post-game comments.
“I’m not too disappointed with it,” Lewis said. “I felt like I did what I normally do, and that’s pound the strike zone. They put the ball in play and found some holes. I’m the type of pitcher that likes to attack hitters. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.
The teams will continue with Game 3 of their four-game series on Wednesday night.
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