BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 12: Manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox checks on Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox after being hit by a pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on June 12, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox utility man Kikè Hernandez took a pitch to the helmet, but remained in Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Boston Red Sox were enjoying a two-game winning streak on Saturday afternoon prior to their game against the Toronto Blue Jays, as they looked to gain ground on the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East division lead. However, the Red Sox did receive quite the scare late in the contest from Kikè Hernandez, before being reminded just how tough of a player he truly is.
With the Red Sox trailing the Blue Jays 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Hernandez awaited the 1-1 pitch from Anthony Castro. The 95.8 mph fastball went up and in on Hernandez and struck him right on the side of the helmet. Luckily, Hernandez was wearing a face flap to prevent a potentially serious injury.
Even after getting hit in the helmet by a fastball, Hernandez remained in the game and took his base.
Red Sox: Kike Hernandez remained in Saturday’s game vs. Blue Jays after getting hit in helmet by pitch
Hernandez took first base, but the inning ended shortly afterwards when outfielder Alex Verdugo grounded into a double play.
Despite third baseman Rafael Devers hitting an RBI triple in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Red Sox lost 7-2. All of Toronto’s runs came on homers from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette and Reese McGuire.
While this was a show of toughness from Hernandez, it also served as a suggestion for all players to wear a face flap when stepping into the batter’s box.