Brock Holt was able to hit what turned out to be the game-winning homer for the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning of their 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres late on Saturday night. But at the time he hit it, he wasn't quite sure he hit the ball well enough to get it out.
"I knew I hit it good, but I kinda hit it high," Holt said to reporters after the game as recorded by NESN. "And I saw (Hunter) Renfroe drifting back kinda slow and it kinda scared me there for a little while. And then he jumped up and luckily it hit the top of the wall and had enough to get out."
Holt's homer came on the first pitch he saw from Padres closer Kirby Yates. The 31-year-old has been one of the best closers in baseball this season, logging an MLB-leading 36 saves and 1.24 ERA, and before last night's game against the Red Sox, he had only allowed one homer on the season. So, Holt's feat was unlikely, though he viewed his success as more of a function of general probability than anything else.
"I mean however many at-bats divided by two home runs,” Holt said of the likelihood of his homer, with a chuckle. "That’s it."
Holt was also quick to praise the bullpen for their efforts in the contest. Starter Nathan Eovaldi only lasted three innings for the Sox, but the bullpen was able to keep the Padres in check for most of the night, surrendering just 2 runs in 6 innings of action while striking out 9 batters.
"Our bullpen has been really good for us lately," Holt said. "Tonight, they were really good. Kept the game tied and gave us a chance. That's all you can ask."
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox will have a chance to go for the sweep of the Padres on Sunday afternoon. First pitch at Petco Park is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET and lefthander Brian Johnson will get the start for the Sox.
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