The reeling Boston Red Sox needed a big hit to open Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, and slugger J.D. Martinez was ripe for the opportunity.
Martinez connected on an 85 mph changeup on a 2-1 count for a solo home run to straightaway center field off Orioles starter Zac Lowther, a blast which gave Boston a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
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The solo shot was important, first and foremost, but also personally impressive for Martinez: at 444 feet, it was the longest ball he'd hit as a member of the Red Sox.
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The homer was the 28th of the season for Martinez, who inches closer to the fifth 30-home run season of his career and third with the Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox
Martinez added a two-run double later in the game, bringing him to 99 runs batted in for the season.