Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela is on a tear, delivering a walk-off two-run home run over the Green Monster to cap the team’s second comeback win in as many days and extend their winning streak to eight games. The 406-foot shot sent Boston fans into a frenzy, with Rafaela taking a moment to acknowledge his adoring crowd.
Rafaela, who has been hitting .352 with a 1.167 OPS in 19 games since June 20, showed incredible composure at the plate, taking a curveball from Tampa Bay Rays reliever Pete Fairbanks and turning it into a game-winner. The Red Sox now own a 51-45 record and have sole possession of the American League’s second wild card spot.
Manager Alex Cora praised Rafaela’s growth over his last couple of years in the league, saying he understands what he needs to do at the plate and is able to catch up with fastballs. The victory marked Rafaela’s latest impressive performance, following a slow start to the season where he was batting .239 with three home runs and nine doubles.
Rafaela credited his teammates for keeping high energy in the ballpark, saying “that’s what I came to do here.” He also expressed gratitude for the raucous Fenway Park crowd, who have become a staple of his success.
Source: https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2025/07/12/ceddanne-rafaela-red-sox-walk-off-home-run-rays-quotes