BOSTON — One day after predicting current Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar is headed toward stardom a former Yankees infielder hit a dramatic three-run…
BOSTON — One day after predicting current Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar is headed toward stardom a former Yankees infielder hit a dramatic three-run homer in Tuesday night’s Dodgers-Red Sox Game 1 of the World Series at Fenway Park.
Hitting for Rafael Devers against lefty Alex Wood, the right-handed hitting Nunez crushed Wood’s second pitch into the first row of seats above the Green Monster in the seventh inning that carried the Red Sox to an 8-4 victory .
Called a hero after the win gave the Red Sox a 1-0 lead in the best-of seven affair, Nunez brushed that label aside.
“You know, that’s weird because I don’t care about being a hero,’’ Nunez said. “As long as we have the win that’s all that matters. Who cares who is the hero that night? As long as we have a hero that’s a good feeling because we have the win.’’
With the Dodgers starting lefty Clayton Kershaw, the right-handed hitting Nunez thought he would be at third. Instead, Red Sox manager Alex Cora opted for the left-handed Rafael Devers.
“He explained to me what’s the situation,’’ Nunez said. “He told me left-handed hitter going against Kershaw. “I was going to be prepared, seventh, eighth inning if they bring in a lefty for Devers. So that was the plan and we did it.’’
According to YES Network researcher James Smyth, Nunez is the third player to homer for the Red Sox and Yankees in the postseason. Wade Boggs and Johnny Damon are the others.
With the Dodgers starting lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu in Game 2 Wednesday night at Fenway, it’s possible Cora will start Nunez at third. Though Nunez isn’t a Gold Glover at the position he is more stable defensively than Devers. Yet, Cora might think one shot of Nunez off the bench is the better option for the second straight game.
Whatever move Cora makes with Nunez it will be hard to argue for anybody, including Nunez.
“I think he makes great moves. He is very smart. I think that he is the reason we are here,’’ Nunez said. “Every move we make it is for a reason and it’s a good reason every time he makes a move.’’
