Boston Red Sox rookie understood ‘what he wanted to do’ with bases loaded

Boston Red Sox rookie understood ‘what he wanted to do’ with bases loaded
Red Sox’ Kristian Campbell hits a two-run single in the third inning Monday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP

BOSTON — Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell capped off an eight-pitch at-bat in the third inning by drilling a 94.8 mph sinker from White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon to right field. It went for a two-run single that put Boston ahead 4-1.

The 22-year-old right-handed hitter went 2-for-3 with a walk and two singles to help lead the Red Sox 4-2 over Chicago here at Fenway Park on Marathon Monday.

“Just staying on the fastball, understanding what he wanted to do there,” manager Alex Cora said. “Got a pitch to hit. Hit it hard the other way.”

Campbell fell behind 0-2 in the count. He fouled off a sweeper, four-seam fastball and sinker and eventually worked the count full. Cannon missed middle of the plate on the eighth pitch and Campbell drilled it (105.2 mph off the bat).

“Try to be selective as possible and swing at the right pitches,” Campbell said. “Just try to be patient as possible.”

Boston also played the White Sox last weekend. And so he’s beginning to face major league pitchers a second time.

“We actually talk a little bit on the way home on the last (road) trip,” Cora said. “We talk about there’s an opportunity to face the same guys that he faced last week and to make adjustments and start looking for pitches. And the last two days, he has been impressive. Not chasing.”

Campbell said about making adjustments: “Honestly just starting to talk about it. Different teams attack differently to everybody. I literally just talk about it to the hitting coaches … and come up with an approach at-bat to at-bat. Just go up there with confidence and hit.”

Campbell entered Monday with a walk percentage (14.9%) in the 88th percentile among major league hitters and a chase percentage in the 66th percentile (24.7%).

Cora was even pleased when Campbell got called out on strikes in the fifth inning, the only time he didn’t reach base Monday. That’s because Campbell laid off a changeup below the zone that was called a third strike.

“The strikeout, that pitch was down,” Cora said. “We don’t want him to swing at that.”

Campbell has gone 24-for-76 (.316) with a .418 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, .918 OPS, three homers, five doubles, eight RBIs, 11 runs, 14 walks and 21 strikeouts in 22 games.

“We had no doubts about controlling the strike zone,” Cora said. “His swing was all over the place in spring training. There was a lot of stuff going on, too. And now that he’s here, game-planning comes into play.”

Campbell said Fenway Park felt electric for Marathon Monday.

“To be a part of it for the first time this year is a big deal to me and a lot of people in this clubhouse,” he said.

  • Early wake-up call offers plenty of time for Red Sox’ Walker Buehler to be his best | Sean McAdam
  • Red Sox have two-headed monster at closer, including righty who has retired 21 straight
  • Red Sox reactions: Walker Buehler (7 innings) delivers Marathon Monday win
  • Alex Cora on ex-Boston Red Sox Andrew Benintendi: ‘We don’t win it without him’
  • Beer Nut: Greenfield native Sam Calagione talks beer, baseball and the Grateful Dead

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

Poll: What Should The Braves Do With Ozzie Albies?

Ozzie Albies is in the midst of the worst season of his career. Should the Braves take action? Vote now in MLBTR’s latest poll!

Red Sox $140 Man Addresses Future In Boston, Offseason Opt-Out

The Boston Red Sox have had some rough luck in the middle of the infield over the last few years but that hasn’t been the case this season by any means. Boston

orsRed Sox Linked to Twins’ 2.76 ERA Starter Amid Jarren Duran Rum

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in a formiddable Minnesota Twins starter amid Jarren Duran trade rumors.

Yankees’ Aaron Boone announces third base plan after shocking DJ LeMahieu DFA

The New York Yankees benched DJ LeMahieu on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, they shockingly designated him for assignment. Aaron Boone revealed what the plan at third base will be moving forward.

Cubs make pitcher injury decision after disastrous 6-run outing

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced an injury to a bullpen arm who has struggled to be a consistent force on the mound.

Houser tosses 7 solid innings as White Sox end Blue Jays’ 10-game…

CHICAGO (AP) – Adrian Houser tossed seven solid innings, and the Chicago White Sox stopped Toronto´s 10-game winning streak, beating the Blue Jays 2-1 on…