ST. PETERSBURG -- All-Star Mookie Betts now has the most leadoff home runs in Red Sox history.
The right fielder clocked the third pitch of Sunday's 5-3 loss from Rays right-hander Chris Archer over the wall in left. Per Statcast™, the 11th career leadoff homer by Betts had an exit velocity of 106.3 mph and a projected distance of 406 feet.
"I guess that's pretty cool," said Betts, of setting a franchise record. "I'm just trying to do my job, get on base and score a run."
Betts, 24, had been locked in a tie with Jacoby Ellsbury for the franchise record in leadoff homers. Ellsbury played 715 games for the Red Sox from 2007-13. Betts broke the record in 441 games.
The blast against Archer was the third leadoff homer for Betts this season.