Masataka Yoshida Powers Red Sox with Home Run Against Scherzer

TORONTO — Masataka Yoshida hit a 399-foot solo home run off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer during the fifth inning on Wednesday at Rogers Centre, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 4-0 lead against the New York Mets.

Yoshida, who had only two home runs this season before the game, also contributed an RBI double in the first inning. His performance marked his fourth consecutive game with two hits, totaling six multi-hit games in the last eight outings.

“That feeling, (the) home run, that’s something I’ve kind of forgotten,” Yoshida said through translator Yutaro Yamaguchi. “It finally came back. So I’m really glad.”

The 32-year-old outfielder has turned around his performance after struggling earlier in the season. From July 9 to September 13, he hit just .227 but has since improved to a .406 batting average over his last eight games, with three doubles and one home run.

“I think it all comes down to being aggressive in the zone from the first pitch,” Yoshida added, crediting his success to hard work and adjustments with hitting coaches.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Yoshida’s resilience, stating, “The guy can hit. He was banged up and that’s the reason he wasn’t hitting the ball in the air.”

As of now, Yoshida has consistently batted in the cleanup spot, a role he has performed well this season. Cora reflected on Yoshida’s past in Japan, saying, “He won championships. He carried the offense over there. And right now he’s doing an amazing job for us.”

Yoshida is looking forward to his first taste of postseason play, with the Red Sox’s magic number to clinch a berth currently at two. “Even during the (regular) season, the fans are electric,” he remarked, expressing excitement about the potential playoff atmosphere at Fenway Park.