ARLINGTON -- Six years after the Red Sox took Bryce Brentz with a first-round Draft pick, the outfielder at last experienced the joy of rounding the bases for his first home run in the Major Leagues.
Brentz's solo rocket to left-center was one of the few highlights for the Red Sox in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Rangers.
"It's always special, and one thing you'll never forget," said Brentz. "I just wish we'd have pulled this one out."
The right-handed-hitting Brentz got his first call to the Majors in September 2014, only to remain in Pawtucket in '15 for an injury-shortened 59-game season.
Brentz had fallen on the depth chart and finally got another call earlier this week when Chris Young joined fellow left fielders Brock Holt and Blake Swihart on the disabled list.
Holt could be back in a matter of days, but Brentz will relish this opportunity as long as it lasts.
"Honestly, I'm just not trying to do too much and use the big part of the field," Brentz said. "It's well-documented that I'm aggressive by nature, and I take a lot of swings. But I've really been working on using the big part of the field. I'm not trying to do too much. I'm seeing some results and I want to stick with the approach."
As Brentz held court in front of his locker after the game, he was in possession of the baseball that he clubbed for his first homer against Rangers lefty Martin Perez.
"My wife was here, so that was special," said the 27-year-old Brentz. "And her family is nearby, so it was good for her."
Brentz has always been known for having power.
"He put up good at-bats," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "A base hit up the middle. I thought he took some good swings [Saturday] also. And then he gets a hitters' count where he's able to drive a baseball. He's making the most of the opportunity."