Boston Red Sox Outfielder's Two Home Run Day Meant More Than Usual

The Boston Red Sox took the series finale against the Texas Rangers today by a score of 7-2, and much of the offensive production came from the bat of second-year outfielder Wilyer Abreu. His breakout sophomore campaign continued with his first career multi-home run game and those HRs held a much deeper meaning than just a simple accolade.

Abreu was seen getting extremely emotional following his first blast of the day and getting consoled by teammates and bench coach Jason Varitek in both of his trips to the dugout after rounding the bases. The reason behind his passionate display was unknown until after the game when manager Alex Cora revealed the cause in his postgame presser.

"His grandma passed away last night...he got the news last night and didn't say much today," Cora said. "We didn't know until he broke down after the homer."

Cora continued with strong words about his religious beliefs and gut feeling to leave Abreu in the game against a left-handed reliever, a sequence that ended in his second homer of the game. He also voiced his confidence in Abreu's mental and physical abilities, stating his full trust in him to succeed during an incredibly tough time.

Wilyer spoke to NESN in the locker room postgame and told reporters that he did dedicate the game to his late grandmother.

"For me today, it was a very important day," Abreu said. "I was playing with my heart in my hands, so for me to be able to go out there and perform was very special."

His availability in the upcoming slate of games remains to be seen, as a brief future trip to the bereavement list has neither been confirmed nor denied by anyone with the team.