Alex Cora was straightforward Saturday night: the Red Sox must score more frequently if they aim to rack up victories.
They delivered on Sunday afternoon in St. Louis, with a burst of hits initiated by an ex-Cardinal.
Tyler O’Neill led the charge in the final game of the series, launching a 439-foot solo home run in the first inning. Following his lead, nine other Red Sox players joined in, with a total of 10 players each getting at least one hit in their commanding 11-3 win.
O’Neill setting the tone! pic.twitter.com/oTO9ppvYbe
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 19, 2024
O’Neill’s triumphant homecoming was highlighted by a powerful home run that capped off a memorable return to his former team, where he received a warm welcome on Friday evening. This weekend held significant meaning for the seasoned outfielder.
“It was a very special weekend for me and my family,” O’Neill shared with Alexa Datt on The Roku Channel. “I had marked this one on the calendar for quite some time. Returning home, seeing the fans, and receiving such a heartfelt reception was incredibly moving. This place holds a special spot in my heart, and it’s something I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Additional notes from Sunday’s Red Sox-Cardinals game include:
— Rafael Devers extended his home run streak to five consecutive games. If he hits another on Monday in Tampa Bay, he will set a new franchise record for the Red Sox with homers in six straight games.
— O’Neill was among four Red Sox players to record multiple hits in the game, along with Connor Wong, Garrett Cooper, and Wilyer Abreu, who each had two hits.
— Despite not having a powerhouse offense, the Red Sox have frequently won by large margins this season. Sunday’s game marked their fifth win by eight or more runs.
— On the mound, Nick Pivetta delivered a standout performance with his second quality start of the season. He allowed just one run on one hit over six innings, striking out eight batters on 72 pitches before turning the game over to the bullpen.
— Jarren Duran continued to lead Major League Baseball in triples, adding an RBI triple in the seventh inning.
