Historic doubleheader for Red Sox on Friday

BOSTON --- The Red Sox played their first doubleheader of the season Friday.

It’s noteworthy in a year where COVID-19 has forced a host of postponements across baseball. No Boston player or staff member has tested positive for the virus since prior to Summer Camp in July.

Red Sox-Blue Jays went uncontested last Thursday for a different reason. Boston’s players elected to stand with Jackie Bradley Jr. and protest for social justice and racial equality. The [...]

BOSTON --- The Red Sox played their first doubleheader of the season Friday.

It’s noteworthy in a year where COVID-19 has forced a host of postponements across baseball. No Boston player or staff member has tested positive for the virus since prior to Summer Camp in July.

Red Sox-Blue Jays went uncontested last Thursday for a different reason. Boston’s players elected to stand with Jackie Bradley Jr. and protest for social justice and racial equality. The police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin touched off action by athletes in the NBA, WNBA, MLS and Major League Baseball.

"I appreciate (Bradley) and what he’s done," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "I feel it’s a little unfair to him because he’s the only Black player (on the Red Sox roster) that he’s been in the spotlight more and put in a position that he’s probably not as comfortable with. I think he’s done a fantastic job in still relaying the message and the concerns that he has.

"Knowing his platform and where he is right now, he’s the guy. He feels he has to come out and say the things he wants to say. Not just to you guys – also to the team. And he’s conveyed that when we get together. He’s conveyed it very well."

Boston dropped the opener by an 8-7 count and took the field as the visiting team for the nightcap. It was Toronto’s home game at Sahlen Field that was technically being played over seven innings. Alex Verdugo became the first Red Sox player to bat first in a game since Fenway Park opened its doors in 1912.

Boston will play a virus-related doubleheader early next week. The Red Sox had their two-game series against the Phillies rescheduled to 14 innings on Tuesday. Boston will enjoy Monday and Wednesday off as a result.

"With the doubleheader, I’m just trying to get everybody in there today," Roenicke said. "With the doubleheader again with Philly, try to get everybody in there in those two games."

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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