Rafael Devers went without a hit on Friday night in San Francisco, following a week of excitement and build-up for his first game against his old team.
As the Giants’ designated hitter, Devers went 0 for 5 with two groundouts, two flyouts, and one strikeout. The Red Sox prevailed 7–5, overcoming many deficits before Boston took the lead permanently in the sixth inning thanks to a spectacular performance by Ceddanne Rafaela.
Following a standing ovation from Red Sox and Giants supporters, Devers swung forcefully at the first pitch in his debut at-bat and, strangely, grounded out to first. After a moment of wobbling, Abraham Toro recovered and flipped it to Hunter Dobbins for the out.
Red Sox commentator Dave O. Brien stated, “I believe two wishes can come true simultaneously, Will [Middlebrooks].” I wish the Red Sox had Raffy Devers hitting tonight. Additionally, I wish he had accepted the request to play first base and take up a glove.
Against the Sox, Rafael Devers gets Oracle Park to stand for his debut AB, but it ends abruptly with a groundout.Twitter: https://://rEo0MLKoG0
Devers hit a 2-2 fastball to left-center field that almost sailed over the fence for a home run in his second at-bat, which was a little more spectacular.
Instead, it died a few feet short, and Rafaela jumped up to deny Devers what would have been a double.
Before the game, Rafael Devers and Ceddanne Rafaela were chatting.He just lost a double to Rafaela.USVRFtLn32 pic.twitter.com/
If the Red Sox hadn’t been in precisely the correct position, Devers’ slap of a ball up the middle in the fifth inning, with the Giants down one, would have very likely been a hit.
Trevor Story threw to first fast after ranging to his left, just past second base. Toro barely kept his foot on the bag to mark the out as Devers rushed down the line.
Abraham Toro barely manages to get Devers #DirtyWater#RedSoxpic.twitter.com/PLUzJOjM5S to stay on base.
In the seventh inning, Devers again flew out to Rafaela.
Finally, a peaceful night came to an end when Devers struck out on a fastball thrown by Aroldis Chapman at 102 miles per hour with one out in the ninth and his team trailing by two runs.
In addition to writing and editing articles about Boston’s professional teams, Trevor Hass works as a sports producer for Boston.com.
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