Mookie Betts dominates first three innings against Nationals
Boston Red Sox centerfielder Mookie Betts had himself quite the first three innings during the team's 9-4 win Monday over the Washington Nationals.
With one out and a runner on first base in the first inning, Betts robbed Bryce Harper of a home run, leaping against the right-centerfield wall to save two runs.
After walking to lead off Boston's half of the inning, he stole second and third on one pitch after the Nationals shifted, leaving open the left side of the infield. He scored later that inning on a David Ortiz single.
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The following inning, with two men on base, Betts launched a three-run home run to leftfield to give the Red Sox a 4-0 lead. In the third, the 22-year-old drove in a run with an infield single to shortstop, extending Boston's lead to 7-0. That hit left Betts with two hits, two runs scored, four runs batted in and two runs saved on defense, all after only three innings.
The 22-year-old entered Monday batting .191 with one home run and no stolen bases. In 2014, he hit .291 in 213 plate appearances for the Red Sox.
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- Alex Putterman
