Updating Roman Anthony's injury
Once the Red Sox finished their doubleheader Saturday in Cleveland, much was forgotten. That Game 1, 5-4 loss. The continued inconsistency of their big bats. Tanner Houck's four-run first inning.
In the rearview.
For that, the Red Sox can in large part thank Jarren Duran.
The narratives that had grown from the afternoon loss were chipped away at thanks to another solid outing by starter Walker Buehler (6 IP, 3 R), two hits out of Rafael Devers, and three innings of hitless relief by Justin Wilson, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman.
But it was Duran executing perhaps baseball's most exciting play - a steal of home - that truly helped define the Sox' day. That, of course, came immediately after the leadoff hitter executed what might be the game's second most exciting play - a triple.
The straight steal of home off - coming off Cleveland lefty starter Doug Nikhazy - was of its kind by a Red Sox player since Jacoby Ellsbury managed the feat exactly 16 years before.
"In this environment, with the new rules, he’s kind of like the perfect player,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters after his team's 7-3 Game 2 win. "He runs the bases well and hits the ball hard. He’s an exciting player. We saw a window there and he took advantage."
"He’s one of the most exciting players in baseball,” Buehler added to reporters.