Eduardo Nunez and J.D. Martinez high-five during Sunday's game. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Red Sox avoided a sweep by edging the Rays yesterday at Fenway, and J.D. Martinez was a big part of it with four hits and two RBI.
The slugger has driven in a team-high 22 runs, and he's batting .330.
Over his last 14 games, Martinez is hitting .415 with seven extra-base hits, 12 RBI, and nine runs.
Sox skipper Alex Cora loves having him on the club.
"I keep going to Manny--and I'm not saying he's Manny Ramirez, but this guy can hit for average," Cora said. "He hits for power, but he hits for average. He was able to stay on pitches. I think the 2-2 pitch was right at his head, 97, 98, and for him to be able to stay on that pitch and hit a line drive the other way, that's good hitting."
"I've been saying all along, we didn't only get a slugger, we got one of the best sluggers in the big leagues," he added. "I'm glad he's on our corner."
How does J.D. feel about Boston's hot start?
"It's been great--what do we have, 20 wins right now? What is it, one of the best in baseball, I think?" he said. "I don't think we could have asked for anything more right now. I think we're playing good ball, and had a rough little spell in Oakland and here, but hopefully we can use the momentum and continue to go forward."
The Sox will open a three-game set with the last-place Royals tonight at 7:10 p.m. Eduardo Rodriguez will oppose Jason Hammel.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports