Dual BM794111

The 2017 Red Sox were looking to move closer to wrapping up the AL East when they played the third game of a three-game series against the Reds in Cincinnati on September 24, 2017. The Reds jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. And held that head until the top of the fifth, when rookie Rafael Devers tied the game with a home run to right field. Cincinnati fought back, with two runs of their own in the fifth and another in the seventh, to lead 4-1. Mookie Betts batted in the eighth inning with one out and the bases loaded. He unleashed a line drive to Billy Hamilton in center field which cleared the bases, tying the game 4-4 on his 46th double of the season. Two batters later, Betts was still on second base when Rafael Devers came up to bat. Using this baseball, Raisel Iglesias pitched a 94.3 MPH fastball that Devers hit for a little dribbler to third base. Recognizing that the play was at first base, Betts took off from second base, with thoughts of scoring. The throw to first base was just a little bit wide, and Devers was safe. As the play was happening, Betts rounded third and headed home where he beat the throw and was safe. This game the Red Sox a 5-4 lead on Devers’ 59th career hit. The lead held and the Red Sox won by the same score. The win marked a three-game sweep over Cincinnati, gave the Red Sox a record of 91-64, and their magic number to win the division was reduced to three, with seven games left in the season.