Renfroe hits 100th HR: 'He's in a good place'

BOSTON -- Though they lead the American League in several offensive categories, the Red Sox have been too top-heavy in the batting order to this point in the season.

But if they can get Hunter Renfroe to keep swinging the bat the way he has the past three games near the bottom of the order, Boston's offense would be even more dangerous and more sustainable. And if Bobby Dalbec, Franchy Cordero or Marwin Gonzalez want to join in on the fun soon, Fenway Park will turn into a place no opponent wants to pitch.

Renfroe had his best night with the Red Sox in Tuesday's 11-7 victory over the Tigers, belting three hits, including a moonshot over the Green Monster, a double that scorched off his bat with an exit velocity of 108.5 mph and an RBI single as part of the four-run bottom of the first.

"He's been swinging the bat well. It started in Texas," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "He hit the home run, but then like we said earlier today, he got two hits the opposite way. He put the ball in play, and today he did the same thing. Even the out [to deep right] was a good swing going to the opposite field. He's in a good place now. It looks like he's having confidence. He's seeing the ball better, and it seems like good things are going to happen."

The homer was No. 100 in Renfroe's career and the Red Sox sent some staffers to go looking for the baseball. It appears it was a successful mission.

"I got it," Renfroe said. "I don't know if it's the right one or not, but I got a ball. They wrote 100 career homers. So I don't know if it's the right one or not, but we'll see."

While Renfroe's defense in right field is an added bonus, the main reason the Red Sox got him is for his power. Renfroe (.222/.275/.389 slash line) has just three homers on the season, but two have come in the past three games.

This is a player who hit at least 26 homers in three straight seasons (2017-19) for the Padres.

What has keyed Renfroe's recent turnaround? One thing he cited was better luck – i.e., the ball not being hit right at somebody. But he also noted some changes behind the scenes.

"I think I've been going pretty good. Just changing a little timing, making sure it's a little better, that's really what I've been working on in the cage a little bit and just staying with my approach," said Renfroe.

After a decent start from Nick Pivetta and a tough night for middle reliever Austin Brice (one out, four runs allowed), this was a night that called for a command effort from the offense.

Kiké Hernández, who is still trying to find his rhythm in the leadoff spot, got on base three times, including a homer in his final at-bat. Much like Renfroe's contributions, Hernández's night could have big-picture implications.

"It starts with walks. He controlled the strike zone, and then he put a big swing on it," said Cora. "That's what it's all about. We do believe that he can do the job. He didn't try to do too much today. He got us going, and it was a good night for him."

No. 2 hitter Alex Verdugo hit a laser beam over the Monster for a solo shot and is hitting .314 with an .899 OPS. Xander Bogaerts (.351, six homers) also went deep for a two-run shot to continue his sizzling start. Early MVP candidate J.D. Martinez (2-for-5, three runs) had another impactful night. Christian Vázquez (3-for-5, two RBIs) made his presence felt.

And this was on a cool night. It doesn't take much of an imagination to contemplate the type of damage this offense will do once those summer winds start blowing around Fenway.

"This is a really, really good lineup. Obviously our Padres lineup in '19 was pretty special," said Renfroe. "The thump that this lineup has from one through nine is pretty incredible. I don't know if you could necessarily put another group up there that has the potential that we have."

If Dalbec and Cordero find their swings, watch out.

"You've got guys in the bottom of the lineup who can hit the ball 500 feet," said Renfroe. "I think that's a pretty special [element at the bottom of the lineup] that not a lot of people have. It could just take the load off of Bogaerts, and J.D. and those guys at the top of the lineup knowing that they don't have to necessarily be on their A game when you've got guys at the bottom of the lineup picking up their slack."