BOSTON -- When it comes to life at the hot corner, you read, react and fire.
And that's what Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers did while completing somewhat of a zany play in Monday night's 10-8 victory over the Blue Jays at Fenway Park that created a jolt of energy and excitement in the home dugout.
To lead off the top of the fifth, Blue Jays left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a hot shot at Devers, who was leaning to his right while trying to make the play.
The ball deflected off Devers' glove, and typically, a deflection like that would either land on the ground right near him or whistle on into the outfield for a hit.
This one went off the heel of the glove and about 10 feet in the air, just above Devers. So there was Devers, fully extending his bare hand, corralling the baseball and swiftly firing it across the diamond to nail Gurriel by a half step.
"It was just a reaction that I had," said Devers. "Obviously I’m not going to say that was what I planned on doing, but as soon as it hit my glove, I tried to get my hand on it so I [could] make a good throw. It’s just a good thing I made the out, but I wasn’t trying to be flashy or anything. I was just trying to do the right thing."
Devers pumped his fist with excitement. Rick Porcello, who was pitching, smiled and clapped into his glove. Nathan Eovaldi chuckled from the dugout as he watched the play. David Price and other Boston players also applauded, as did the Fenway faithful.
"Pure luck," exclaimed NESN analyst Jerry Remy.
It has been that kind of season for Devers, who is having a breakout season at the age of 22 -- both at the plate and in the field.