Rafael Devers hit two home runs against rookie Luis Gil in the seventh and ninth innings, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 3-0 win over the Yankees on Sunday night. The loss marked New York’s 15th defeat in 20 games.
Devers gave Boston the lead with a home run off Gil’s 98.8 mph fastball, sending the ball to the left-field seats. He carried his bat up the first-base line before dropping it and completing a slow trot around the bases.
“Gil struck him out early in the game with a slider, but Rafael stayed patient and connected with that pitch,” said Boston manager Alex Cora. “Hitting the ball to the opposite field in this stadium is impressive.”
Devers explained that his celebration was about the moment of putting his team ahead, rather than any reference to Alex Verdugo’s home run jog the previous day.
“No, I wasn’t thinking about that,” Devers said through a translator. “It was about giving my team the lead in the seventh inning against a tough pitcher like Gil, who was doing a great job. It was a significant moment for the team, so that’s why I celebrated.”
Earlier in the day, Devers was selected for his third All-Star Game. Later in the ninth inning, he hit his 21st home run of the season off Michael Tonkin, sending the ball into the Yankees bullpen in right-center field.
“He’s been outstanding,” said New York manager Aaron Boone. “He’s a great player, and we need to find a better way to contain him.”
Devers now has 16 home runs at Yankee Stadium and a total of 28 against New York. In his last 10 games at Yankee Stadium, he’s batting .463 with seven home runs and 10 RBIs.
“We know how special this ballpark is,” Devers said. “It’s one of the best in the league. Everything feels right here.” Rookie Ceddanne Rafaela hit a home run in the eighth inning off Luke Weaver.
Boston continues to play well, winning six of their last seven games and 16 of their last 22 overall, maintaining a strong record of 14-1 on Sundays.
