Red Sox Star's Home Run Launches Team USA to Victory
FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Roman Anthony's Team USA debut was nothing short of spectacular. The young Red Sox outfielder showcased his talent by hitting a towering two-run home run during Team USA's exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The home run, hit in the top of the sixth inning, came with no outs and followed a walk by Cal Raleigh, the Seattle catcher and AL MVP runner-up. Anthony connected with a 93.8 mph fastball from Blade Tidwell, sending the ball 394 feet into the right field concourse.
The USA pitcher, Logan Webb, who was being interviewed by ESPN during the game, expressed his amazement at the hit.
"Look at that one," Webb said. "I’m really excited to watch this guy too."
Anthony's performance didn't stop there. He finished the game 1 for 3 with two runs, and the U.S. team went on to beat the Giants 15-1. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes struck out four over three innings, and former Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman added a solo home run.
But it wasn't just Anthony who shone. Ceddanne Rafaela, another Red Sox outfielder, had a stellar day for the Netherlands in their 8-5 exhibition win over the Orioles. Rafaela went 2 for 4 with a home run, a double, and five RBIs, leading the Dutch offense.
Rafaela's home run was a three-run shot in the top of the second that put the Netherlands up 4-2. He followed that with a two-run double in the top of the third.
These impressive performances from both Anthony and Rafaela highlight the talent within the Red Sox organization and the potential of Team USA and the Netherlands' baseball teams.
