Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela 'always dreamed about' game-winning HR vs. Yankees

Mike Masala

Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela 'always dreamed about' game-winning HR vs. Yankees image

On Friday, the Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 5-3 in extra innings due to a two-run home run by Ceddanne Rafaela in the top of the 10th.

Rafaela has been having a great season, as his bat has been improving as the season goes on, and his glove has been incredible since arriving in the majors.

The moment against Boston's division rivals wasn't too much for the rookie. In fact, these are what he's wanted.

“I always was a Red Sox fan and these types of games are the games I always dreamed about,” Rafaela said (via. MassLive). “Having those types of at-bats, those are the type of games I really wanted to be in.”

Manager Alex Cora had some great things to say about Rafaela after the game.

“[He's been] huge for us,” Cora said. “He’s been doing a good job. Hunting pitches in the zone. Hitting the ball hard. And we just wanted him to do the job in that situation. Just hit the ball to right-center or hit a ground ball to second. He stayed on a pitch and crushed it.”

At 23 years old, Rafaela has all of the makings of a potential superstar in this game.

Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala