CLEVELAND -- Andrew Benintendi became the youngest Red Sox player ever to homer in the postseason on Thursday, doing so in his first playoff at-bat in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, a 5-4 loss to the Indians at Progressive Field.
The rookie outfielder connected with a line drive solo blast to right-center field off Indians starter Trevor Bauer leading off the top of the third inning, giving Boston a 2-1 lead. Benintendi is 22 years and 92 days old; Reggie Smith homered in Game 3 of the 1967 World Series at 22 years and 188 days.
Benintendi, who made his Major League debut on Aug. 2 after being promoted directly from Double-A Portland, batted .295 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 34 regular-season games. The 22-year-old Ohio native was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Arkansas.
According to Statcast™, Benintendi barreled the 91.7 mph pitch with an exit velocity of 104.3 mph and a launch angle of 26 degrees. It traveled 408 feet.