Entering Friday night’s game, Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong was 0-30 with runners in scoring position. He had recorded just two RBIs on the season, both via sacrifice fly.
In the eighth inning, Wong doubled against San Diego Padres reliever Sean Reynolds, driving in three runs and blowing the game wide open. It was Wong’s third double of the season. The Red Sox went on to win, 10-2.
Wong has been forced into the lineup more frequently while Carlos Narvaez deals with an injury. Hits haven’t been easy to come by for Wong this season, playing just once or twice a week. He hopes the double was the start of a turnaround for him offensively.
“Obviously, it’s been a struggle, so it’s just really being able to enjoy that one,” Wong said. “Try and build off of it.”
More consistent at-bats should help Wong at the plate. It’s easy to forget last season, with regular playing time, Wong hit .280 with 13 home runs. He’s yet to homer this season, but Alex Cora thinks he’ll start to heat up at the plate.
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“The more he plays, the better he’s going to be. And this week, he’s played four games, and you can see the results,” Cora said.
The Red Sox claimed catcher Ali Sanchez off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. They haven’t ruled out a stint on the injured list for Narvaez, but they’ll have to make a decision soon. Sanchez is out of minor league options, so he’ll need to be placed on the active roster when he reports to the club.