Andrew Benintendi hits home run for Red Sox on Opening Day (Video)
A massive Andrew Benintendi three-run home run broke the game open for the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day.
Sweet-swinging outfielder Andrew Benintendi got his American League Rookie of the Year of the Year campaign off on the right foot with a massive three-run home run on Opening Day.
Hitting second in the lineup in his first major league Opening Day appearance, Benintendi struck out and flied out in his first two at-bats. But, with two runs already in for the Red Sox in the bottom of the fifth inning, and runners on first and second base, Benintendi turned on Gerritt Cole fastball and sent over the right field fence to push the lead to 5-0.
@ogp44 Aquí el saludo de Andrew Benintendi. 👀 pic.twitter.com/eir8p5mAO9
— Renu (@renucho) April 3, 2017
The blast was the first of the season for the 22-year-old, and the third regular season homer of his young career. According to MLB’s director of baseball research and development Darren Willman, Benintendi’s homer travelled at 103 miles per hour and reached a height of 103 feet.
Andrew Benintendi with a moon shot... 103 MPH & 103 ft high. pic.twitter.com/8NM2yVNzsS
— Daren Willman (@darenw) April 3, 2017
Andrew Benintendi's HR was off a 97.7 MPH fastball. @RedSox only hit HRs off two harder pitches all last season. (Ortiz, 98.8, Ramirez 99.3)
— Daren Willman (@darenw) April 3, 2017
The No. 1 prospect Benintendi entered the 2017 season as the overwhelming favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award. In 34 games last season with the Red Sox, Benintendi hit .295/.359/.476 with 14 extra-base hits, 14 RBI and 16 runs scored. Benintendi also hit a home run in the AL Division Series against the Cleveland Indians.
Next: 2017 FanSided MLB season preview
Following his strong debut in 2016, the Red Sox expect Benintendi to help pick up the slack in a Boston lineup missing retired designated hitter David Ortiz. If he continues to launch long balls into the stands he’ll be an All-Star like Ortiz in no time.