Red Sox Slugger David Ortiz Has High Praise For Yankees’ Righty
Jun 29, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
It was a big night for Boston’s designated hitter David Ortiz as he swatted his 450th home run, in an attempt to earn a plaque in baseball’s Hall Of Fame, but this didn’t stop him from praising an opposing pitcher.
Up to this point, Yankees’ reliever Dellin Betances is making a mockery of the American League. His 1.33 ERA is almost as ridiculous as his fastball and curveball (closer to a slurve), which have been making very good Major League hitters look foolish. He has also posted a 0.739 WHIP and K/9 rate of 14.5.
Betances has been so good that he has already drawn comparisons to a young Mariano Rivera, which may be a bit premature, but there is no reason to doubt him so far.
Yankees’ fans aren’t the only ones who are amazed by the 26-year-old’s first full campaign in the Bronx.
Ortiz, who has been a member of the Boston Red Sox since 2003, and has been a part of several big moments in this rivalry’s history, has nothing but respect for his enemy’s star pitcher. In fact, he made sure everyone knew how much he liked Betances after Sunday night’s game, which the Red Sox won 8-5.
“That kid’s nasty, man. He’s got good stuff. And I’m old. He’s abusing of the old league. God bless him” said Ortiz to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.
“Big Papi” is 0-for-3 in his career against the hard-throwing Betances, including a ground out in the sixth inning on Sunday.
Though the rivalry is fierce at times, and the two team’s could wind up competing for an American League East title or a Wild Card spot, Ortiz did the right thing. Credit should be given when it’s due.