Over the past two weeks, the Boston Red Sox have been the hottest team in baseball. Entering play on Saturday, they had won eight straight games. In that span, a different player has stepped up every night, and on Friday night Kiké Hernandez played a key role. The veteran outfielder nailed a runner at the plate and drove in the winning run. It was a continuation of what has been an impressive week for the 29-year-old.
In his last seven games, Hernandez is hitting .333. During that span, he has hit three home runs and driven in seven runs. As the Red Sox have extended their lead in the division, Hernandez has been a sparkplug for the offense. In his return to the leadoff spot, he has looked at home, and his power has come back.
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Additionally, in that span, four of Hernandez’s eight hits have been for extra bases. It has been a welcome sign for Boston, with Christian Arroyo currently on the injured list. While Hernandez’s offense has made a difference, he has also been a human highlight reel the last few nights. With the game on the line, he has not been afraid of sacrificing his body.
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On Wednesday night, with the Red Sox holding a 3-1 lead, Hanser Alberto lifted a flyball to one of the deepest parts of Fenway. At first glance, it seemed that the Royals would cut the lead to one. Hernandez, however, had other plans as he made a diving catch to end the inning and the Royals rally. It was the first of two game-changing plays he made this week.
Hernandez is stepping up in big moments
In the first game of the series against Oakland, Hernandez broke a 2-2 tie in the tenth with an RBI single. In the bottom of that inning, the former Los Angeles Dodger nailed the runner at the plate to secure a 3-2 Red Sox win. Over the past week, the former sixth-round pick has provided a reminder of his value and already has 27 extra-base hits this season. Hernandez is ending the first half in impressive style, with the All-Star game less than two weeks away.
As Boston looks to increase their division lead, the play of Hernandez will be key. Of late, he has shown that he can be a difference-maker at the plate and in the field. That will be needed in the second half as the playoffs approach. Through his first 67 games with the Red Sox, Kiké Hernandez has become a fan favorite and already provided a few unforgettable moments.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
