Hunter Renfroe almost single-handedly beat the Rays Wednesday night. The right fielder slugged the game-winning home run and recorded two incredible outfield assists — including the throw that nabbed Joey Wendle at third base to end the contest.
Those heroics prompted Renfroe’s former teammates to tell him they’ve given up, at least in emoji form.
After the Red Sox’s thrilling 2-1 win over Tampa Bay, Renfroe said some members of the Rays sent him very illustrative text messages. “Nothing too bad or anything, just kind of jokingly,” he told reporters, per Boston.com. “A GIF waving a white flag and stuff like that.”
While the Rays maintain a commanding nine-game lead in the AL East, Renfroe is one of the biggest reasons why the Red Sox remain in control of a wild card spot. As our Rob Bradford notes, his big throw and big swing seemed like the most important moments of the season.
Renfroe, 29, has been exceptional this season, smacking 27 home runs with an .837 OPS. He’s also turned it on during the most crucial time: the slugger is batting .383 with a 1.153 OPS and four homers over his last 11 games.
His two outfield assists Wednesday night were his MLB-leading 15th and 16th of the season. Renfroe is just the sixth Red Sox player to hit 25 or more HR and record 15 or more OF assists in the same season. He’s now in a class of players that includes Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and Manny Ramirez.
Not too shabby.
The Rays are rightfully often credited with their deft player personnel management. But the Red Sox signing Renfroe was one of the steals of the offseason.
And on Wednesday, he stole a win against his former team.