After trading Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox seem to have found another gem in making. Roman Anthony, the 21-year-old rookie, may not be someone who can hit home runs too frequently, but he has still been the best hitter in Boston since the last week of June. Not too easy for a rookie to outshine someone like Alex Bregman. A 10-game hitting streak, 31 hits, 11 doubles, .330 batting average, and a 62.7% hard-hit rate, Anthony has turned himself into an elite hitter. And his most recent outing only proves how crucial he has become to Boston.

With the series on the line, Sunday’s clash against the star-studded Dodgers was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Red Sox. After Bregman smashed a two-run homer to extend Boston’s lead over Los Angeles, it was Anthony who changed the game in the close 4–3 win over the Dodgers. During the fifth inning, Anthony hit an RBI triple that tied the game and set the stage.

He also scored the first run of the game, making a big play when it meant the most, and secured the Red Sox’s first series win after the All-Star break. This was perhaps the best outing for the 21-year-old at Fenway Park, but his day even got better after Breggy compared him with the Astros’ talisman.

After the Red Sox beat the Dodgers 4–3, Alex Bregman didn’t hold back. “He’s going to be a special, special player. So it’s definitely fun hitting in front of or behind him in this lineup. And reminds me of earlier in my career when Yordan Alvarez got called up. That’s my player comp for him.”

Well, there is something about being a lefty and a power hitter. In 2019, Alvarez had an impressive .313/.412/.655 batting line in 87 games, hitting 27 home runs and earning a 1.067 OPS, which won him the AL Rookie of the Year award. Now, in 2025, Roman has played 40 games with a batting average of .267, an on-base percentage of .385, and a slugging percentage of .422, highlighting his solid contact skills. No surprise why Breggy sees Anthony moving in the same direction as Alvarez.

After the game, skipper Alex Cora was also delighted with how Anthony handled the leadoff spot despite being a rookie. “Roman has done that throughout his career (in the minors), and I feel like today was a good day to try it,” Cora explained. And we know it worked out well.

In fact, on Saturday against Clayton Kershaw, Anthony had two hits, two walks, a double, and an RBI. And probably that’s why Bregman isn’t the only one with high praise. Walker Buehler also echoed the same sentiment. “I think he’s going to be one of the best players in the big leagues very, very soon,” remarked Buehler.

All in all, for the Bo Sox, the series against the Dodgers has been a great one, from rookie hitting well to Bregman hitting homers. It was a complete performance.

Roman Anthony sets the stage, Alex Bregman seals it

Not only did Roman Anthony play well, but he also set the tone. In the fifth inning, his RBI triple sparked the Red Sox’s crucial rally in their 4–3 win over the Dodgers. That move opened the door, giving Boston the energy and space it needed to take charge.

The momentum changed from that point on. Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer, putting his team ahead. It was his 13th homer of the season. And he wasn’t the only one who shone at the diamond.

The Red Sox showcased strong teamwork. Garrett Crochet allowed two early home runs but struck out ten batters over six innings, giving up only two runs. The bullpen, including Jordan Hicks, effectively maintained momentum. Ceddanne Rafaela dived double play in the eighth inning. With timely hits, saves, and Ks, the game highlighted the team’s depth and unity.

And Bregman felt confident, too. “I feel like we believe that we’re a good team, we believe that we’re a playoff team, and we believe when we play at a high level, that we can play with anybody.”

This feels like a turning point in the wider picture. The win on Sunday didn’t feel like a fluke. It felt like a message: This team is ready for the playoffs.