Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts: ‘I never thought any of this would have been possible’

OAKLAND, Calif. — Xander Bogaerts not solely set the Pink Sox franchise report Friday for many video games performed (1,094) at shortstop. He additionally celebrated with a homer and two-run double.

The Pink Sox gained 7-2 over the Athletics right here at RingCentral Coliseum.

“On a private degree, it’s loopy,” Bogaerts stated. “I’m very blessed to be in that dialog. I by no means would have imagined or anticipated any of that after I made my debut and even after I signed right here. It’s been a protracted highway however a variety of completely satisfied moments for certain.”

Bogaerts handed Everett Scott for many video games performed at shortstop. He’ll set one other report Saturday when he passes Scott for essentially the most begins at shortstop (1,082) in franchise historical past.

“We’ll look forward to the celebration tomorrow as a result of tomorrow is one other large day for him,” supervisor Alex Cora stated. “Simply happy with him. Simply exhibiting up each day, it means quite a bit to us and it means quite a bit to his teammates. It means quite a bit to town of Boston. He’s a humble child from the islands. He simply desires to play baseball. However I feel with time, he’s going to appreciate how necessary he’s for us, for the Pink Sox, and really for baseball. This child is so constant in the whole lot he does. I’m glad he had an excellent evening.”

Bogaerts’ 389-foot blast to left area gave Boston a 1-0 lead within the fourth inning. His two-run double within the ninth put Boston forward 7-2.

“I by no means thought any of this could have been potential,” Bogaerts stated. “I bear in mind after I got here up, there was a variety of speak — possibly I’ve obtained to modify positions.”

Bogaerts stated he additionally heard the identical speak all through the minor leagues.

“I’ve obtained to provide a variety of credit score to myself, all of the coaches which have helped me alongside the way in which, by means of the ups and downs,” Bogaerts stated. “Clearly a household that’s proper in your nook by means of all the great and the unhealthy. … I’ve positively obtained to provide large credit score to the teaching workers and the group for believing in me and giving me that chance.”

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