[ad_1]
Bobby Dalbec stays hot with clutch homer vs. Mariners originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Bobby Dalbec has looked like a different player over the last couple of weeks for the Boston Red Sox.
Four of Dalbec’s five home runs this season have come since May 28. The 26-year-old belted one in the team’s Friday win over the Seattle Mariners, then delivered a game-tying blast in the ninth inning of Saturday night’s showdown against his hometown team.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, that clutch at-bat was overshadowed by the bullpen’s inability to hold onto the lead in the bottom of the frame, resulting in a 7-6 defeat. As disappointing of a loss as it was, manager Alex Cora sees Dalbec’s recent turnaround as a bright spot.
Tomase: Betts has no idea how much Red Sox fans love him
“Really good,” Cora said after Saturday’s game of Dalbec’s ninth-inning homer. “He fouled off some tough pitches, fastballs up in the zone, and then he got a hanging slider and he put a good swing.
“We talked (Friday), he’s in a much better place. I think his timing is a lot better. He’s on time, and he’s able to hit fastballs and lay off some pitches. That was a big swing for us.”
Dalbec has driven in at least one run in five consecutive games. He’s also had a knack for coming through in clutch situations this season. As pointed out by J.P. Long (@SoxNotes on Twitter), all five of Dalbec’s homers have broken a tie.
If Dalbec can keep it up, it’ll go a long way toward helping him maintain his role as Boston’s starting first baseman. He entered the 2022 season under some pressure to perform with top prospect Triston Casas waiting in the wings.
Dalbec will look to stay hot in Sunday’s series finale vs. Seattle. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET.
[ad_2]
Source link
