BALTIMORE — Rafael Devers’ triple in Boston’s 8-3 victory over the Orioles on Tuesday marked his first in more than two years.
His last tripled May 18, 2022 at Fenway Park against the Astros.
“When he hit the triple, I was like, ‘Oh, man. He’s not going to shut up in the clubhouse because he’s going to say he’s faster than (Jarren) Duran,’” starting pitcher Brayan Bello said through translator Daveson Pérez. “But no, good for him.”
Devers connected on Cionel Pérez’s 95.8 mph sinker and ripped it down the left field line with a 107.6 mph exit velocity to lead off the eighth inning. It looked like it would be a double but the ball slowed after ricocheting off the wall. Devers read it perfectly and hustled for the extra base.
“I had the play right in front of me,” Devers said through Pérez. “I could see it happening. And I knew it was a tough play so I just took advantage.”
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Devers’ hustle triple led to an important insurance run. Connor Wong, the next hitter, drove home Devers with a single to right field, making it 5-3 Boston.
“When your best player runs the bases the way he did today, that tells you the whole story,” manager Alex Cora said. “He hits that ball down the line and he didn’t hesitate. Overall, awesome. Good energy. I haven’t seen so many fans chanting for us in a while here. So we’ll take it but we’ve got a job to do tomorrow. Come here and try to win the series.”
Devers went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and one run. He’s batting .295 (28-for-95) with a .358 on-base percentage, .611 slugging percentage, .969 OPS, seven homers, seven doubles, one triple, 19 RBIs, 18 runs, nine walks and 30 strikeouts in 25 games during May.
“I got some hits today. I love getting those hits. I love getting the extra-base hits as well,” he said. “Hitting line drives and hitting it hard. So yeah, it’s a step in the right direction.”
