Mookie Betts Drives in Eight Runs as Red Sox Rout Blue Jays

Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts tied a major league record for lead off hitters by driving in eight runs in Boston’s 15-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on July 2nd. Betts joined four other players who have driven in eight as lead off men.

Betts was 4 for 6 at the plate with two homers and two singles. The Red Sox completed a three game sweep of the Jays, and were completely dominant in that process. Boston won the other two games by scores of 7-4 and 7-1. After completion of play on July 2nd, Boston (47-35) had a three game lead over the New York Yankees (43-37) in the American League East. Toronto was last at 37-44, 9 ½ games back. The Blue Jays have been a major disappointment this season after making the playoffs last season as a Wild Card with a record of 89-73.

The Red Sox are trying to repeat as A.L. East champs are will probably be in a good race with the Yankees, with an improved Tampa Bay possibly in the mix. The Rays were 43-41, five games back. We think it will likely come down to a two horse race between Boston and New York.

Betts was named as a reserve on the A.L All Star team. The 24 year old is hitting .286 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs, plus he has 15 stolen bases, roughly keeping pace with his fine 2016 season, when he hit 31 homers and drove in 113 runs, while stealing 26 bases. He hit .318 last year.