Ceddanne Rafaela creates history with shortest walk-off home run of Statcast era
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On June 4, 2025, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a historic homer at Fenway Park. His 308-foot walk-off homer vs the Los Angeles Angels won the game 11-9, the shortest walk-off homer since Statcast started in 2015.
The ball just curled around the Pesky Pole and saved Boston from a sweep. This was a big hit for the team and for the fans to cheer about.
Ceddanne Rafaela's record-breaking moment
With the score tied 9-9 in the ninth inning, Ceddanne Rafaela came to bat with one out. Abraham Toro had just hit a single, keeping Boston's hopes alive. Facing Angels pitcher Brock Burke, Rafaela swung at an 86.9 mph changeup and sent the ball 308 feet to right field.
According to MLB.com, this was the shortest walk-off homer in the Statcast era, which started in 2015.
The hit wouldn't have been a homer in any other MLB park, making Fenway's short right-field wall key.
It was reported that Rafaela, at 24, is the youngest Red Sox player to hit a walk-off homer in 25 years. His teammates, like Jarren Duran, cheered the team's fight after falling behind early. This clutch hit showed Rafaela's growing talent and thrilled Boston fans.
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Red Sox's gritty comeback
The Red Sox fought hard to set up Rafaela's game winner, never giving up after being down.
Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito had a rough first inning, giving up 4, but Boston came back with 5. The Angels went back up, but the Red Sox tied it in the 4th and 7th. Rafael Devers had a big single in the 8th to tie it 9-9. Reliever Cooper Criswell kept the Angels from scoring in the ninth, giving Rafaela his chance.
Reports suggested that this win was huge for the 30-34 Red Sox, who avoided a sweep after two close losses. The team now heads to face the strong New York Yankees. Rafaela's recent hot streak, with homers in three straight games, shows he's becoming a key player. This exciting game proved the Red Sox's determination to keep fighting.
Rafaela's short homer wasn't just a game-winner; it made baseball history. The Red Sox, energized by this win, hope to keep the momentum going. Fans will long remember this day when a small swing brought a big victory.
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