With the Boston Red Sox nearly 10 games behind their No. 1 rivals, the American League East-leading New York Yankees, they could use some additional pitching help.
A good southpaw would be a big help.
They got some help on Wednesday – for one pitch at least, that is – as Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. threw out the first pitch prior to the game vs. the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park.
Scouts likely had a few raised eyebrows when Stenhouse threw a perfect strike.
ICYMI: @StenhouseJr threw out the first pitch at last night's @RedSox game. Check it out 👇⚾️🏁 #DirtyWater #RedSox pic.twitter.com/qZTNpvOOXB
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 18, 2019
“I’ve thrown out first pitches at some minor league games, but Fenway Park puts it at a whole ‘nother level,” Stenhouse told NESN.com.
But Stenhouse, wearing a No. 17 jersey, delivered when it was his turn atop the mound. In a sense, it was a home game for Stenhouse, as Red Sox owner John Henry is a part-owner of Roush Fenway Racing.
Stenhouse and teammate Ryan Newman, who was also in uniform for the game, were in Boston on their way to this weekend’s Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Stenhouse is currently 19th in the standings and with seven races left to make the playoffs, he knows how significant this weekend will be for him.
.@StenhouseJr getting final instructions prior to throwing out first pitch for the @RedSox game. pic.twitter.com/NWEQl8FN5b
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 17, 2019
“It’s very important,” Stenhouse told NESN. “New Hampshire could be one of those turning points. We’re 19th in points and need to get to 16th. Or we could win and just lock ourselves in that way, too.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a fast enough car and play the right strategy to put ourselves in a position to win. These next few races are definitely critical to us to make sure we do our part. We’ll need somebody else to falter a little bit, but we’re going to go out and do our job and see how things play out.”
And if Stenhouse doesn’t make the playoffs, he might want to keep that pitching arm warm and loose, just in case the Red Sox really need him.
.@roushfenway is in the building at Fenway Park for a @RedSox game.@StenhouseJr will be throwing out first pitch shortly. pic.twitter.com/eDuZGZ9T4v
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 17, 2019