3 mistakes Alex Cora must avoid for Red Sox to finish off the Rays

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Sep 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitching coach Dave Bush (second from left) visits the mound to speak with relief pitcher Tanner Houck (89) during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox: Alex Cora must use two red-hot stars

Don’t leave Tanner Houck unused

Tanner Houck had an excellent outing replacing Sale in Game 2. He pitched five innings giving up just two hits and allowing one run.

Houck hasn’t pitched since Friday and should be relatively fresh if he’s needed to step up for the Red Sox once more.

Since he’s proven himself so thoroughly, he’s the hot hand Cora should rely on.

Don’t waste Enrique Hernández

If Houck is the hot hand, Kiké Hernández is the hot bat.

Despite a quiet Game 1, he’s absolutely come alive in the last two outings with eight hits in 12 at bats. He’s hit a home run in each of the last two games and is responsible for driving in five runs.

Cora needs to make sure Hernández has every opportunity to keep his hot streak going.

A lucky bounce might’ve saved the Red Sox in Game 3, but to get past the Rays for good, they’ll need the likes of Hernandez and possibly Houck do carry them to the ALCS.

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