FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Red Sox top prospects proved to be a force at the plate, after an explosive third inning propelled Boston to a 8-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first Spring Breakout game at JetBlue Park. Nick Yorke pioneered the offense after going 2-for-2, accumulating one double and an RBI on the day.
The first inning was quiet offensively for both teams, but Atlanta threatened early as runners on second and third attempted to score on a fly ball to center field in the top of the second. However, Boston’s defense thwarted the threat when Ceddanne Rafaela made a powerful throw to Yorke at second base for a double play to end the half inning.
In the bottom of the second, Boston struck first after Yorke smacked a line drive to center field to send Miguel Bleis home.
The bottom of the third that proved to be the turning point for Boston, with four runs being scored. Kyle Teel led the way, ripping a ground ball to right field for an RBI double, followed by a three-run blast from Rafaela to make the score 5-0 heading into the fourth.
During the top of the fourth inning, the Braves managed to get onto the board after an RBI triple by Isaiah Drake and an RBI single by Luke Waddell changed the score to 5-2.
Boston’s offensive dominance could not be stopped, as Chase Meidroth’s sacrifice fly to left field sent Eddinson Paulino to home plate to extend the lead 6-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Allan Castro added an RBI single to make the score 7-2 in the fifth, which would be the final score.
Red Sox starter Wikelman Gonzalez walked away with the win after pitching through three innings and garnering three walks with one strikeout. Atlanta’s Owen Murphy leaves JetBlue with the loss after giving up five hits and two walks through three innings pitched.
The Red Sox return home tomorrow to compete against rivals, the New York Yankees, first pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.
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