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The Boston Red Sox plowed over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday in an exciting game that finished 17-0 after Ceddanne Rafaela showed why the Red Sox paid a $50 million contract extension to remain with the franchise.
Patience, that is what the Red Sox have been preaching for people to exercise when it comes to Ceddanne Rafaela's bat, the rookie, known for his top-notch defense in center field and shortstop, proved Saturday that his offense is worth waiting for. He was there for the entire contest, in which the Red Sox defeated the Cubs, 17-0, before a sellout crowd of 35,169 at Fenway Park.
Rafaela capped off a perfect night for a rookie
Rafaela, who began the day with a .156 average, highlighted his big game (4-for-4, seven RBIs) with a two-run home run off the Green Monster that extended 411 Statcast-projected feet to a 105.4 mph exit velocity in the seventh inning.
The wiry right-handed hitter from Curacao was also in the middle of his team's six-run comeback in the bottom of the fifth when he connected on a three-run double off the Green Monster's base.
Rafaela stole third base while the crowd gave him a standing ovation
Earlier in the game, Rafaela connected on a 106.5 mph single against the wall. And when the game was still tight in the fourth, he made a nice situational hit when he connected on a sacrifice fly to right field that gave Boston a 3-0 lead.
Rafaela produced hard-hit balls (exit velocity of 95 mph or more) in all five of his plate appearances. Meanwhile, the Red Sox showed their faith in Rafaela earlier this month when they signed him to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension and it seems they made the right choice.