For the first time in Boston Red Sox history, a Jeter helped them win against the New York Yankees. Jeter Downs was recently called up by the team and got his first taste of major league action. It was an incredibly high-pressure situation: Boston was up against New York in one of their classic rivalry games.
After struggling to make an impact in his first appearance, Jeter Downs made sure to make his next shot a memorable one. During the bottom of the 10th, the Red Sox found themselves down two runs with two outs remaining. With a runner on third, Downs slammed a grounder to right field, scoring his first MLB hit AND first RBI in the process.
Getting your first career hit (and RBI) in extra innings vs. the Yankees?
Jeter Downs is like that. đ pic.twitter.com/4OefGTRIYA
â FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 10, 2022
The Red Sox eventually capitalized on the opportunity Jeter Downs handed to them. With two runners on base, Alex Verdugo hit a two-run single to send Downs, the winning run, back to home plate. Fans immediately cheered, as they are accustomed to do after knocking out their bitter rivals. After the game, Downs was understandably emotional after his epic performance. (via MLB on FOX)
Jeter scoring the game-winning run for the Red Sox vs. the YankeesâŠcouldn't be!@jeter2downs spoke with @Ken_Rosenthal after his first big league hit and a Boston victory. đ pic.twitter.com/WwoBqrOAc0
â FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 10, 2022
Boston has a long ways to go before they can catch their division rivals, though. The Yankees have been absolutely dominant all season long, steamrolling their way to the best record in the MLB today. They hold a commanding 14-game lead over the Red Sox, even after this heartbreaking defeat. Even scarier is the fact that they are likely NOT going to stay put during the trade deadline.
For at least one game, though, Boston fans can rejoice at the fact that a Jeter of all people helped them beat the Yanks. Hopefully, we'll see more of Jeter Downs in the future for the team.