When Jonathan Arauz punched the decisive single into left field Saturday afternoon, helping the Red Sox breathe a huge of sigh of relief thanks what would be a Game 2, 2-1 win over the Blue Jays, the story behind it went back to March 15.
Yes, an innocuous spring training game against the Rays.
In that game in Port Charlotte, Fla., Arauz was presented with the opportunity to drive in the game-tying run with one out in the ninth, with Michael Gettys standing at third base.
But even though the Rays had shifted three of their four infielders to the right side, gifting Arauz the opportunity to utilize an ocean of green on the left side, the diminutive switch-hitter decided the better way to go was mammoth-sized swings.
One huge hack against Tampa Bay pitcher Kenny Rosenberg was followed by another and then another, all coming up empty. Opportunity lost.
Two months and one day later, a similar situation was presented to Arauz.
With the Red Sox trailing by a run in the ninth against the Angels, and two men on with just one out, Los Angeles once again invited Arauz to push something to what was a wide-open left side. Nope. Two huge swings led to a pair of foul balls before the former Rule 5 pick was finished off with a 95 mph heater from Mike Mayers that Arauz seemingly tried to hit to the moon.
Swing and a miss. The all-or-nothing approach had failed again.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, Arauz learned his lesson. And, as it turned out, he was a really good student.
Leading off the first frame in extra innings Saturday, with automatic runner Franchy Cordero sitting at second, Arauz faced off with side-winding righty Adam Cimber. The first pitch was an attempted bunt that never seemingly had a chance. Then, after a ball, Arauz took a somewhat awkward swing, which he fouled off. That led to a quick conference from third base coach Carlos Febles.
Finally, the Arauz implemented the plan he had put in his holster all those months before. A running, 87 mph four-seam fastball was guided about 15 feet to the left of second base where the Blue Jays had decided to leave wide open.
Lesson was learned, and a win was finally secured.