BOSTON — Many of the Boston Red Sox players started wearing T-shirts during batting practice and in the clubhouse the past week with a quote from teammate Romy Gonzalez written across the front.
It says: ''Tremendously locked in.''
They certainly look that way heading into the All-Star break.
On Sunday, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run homer and the Red Sox (53-45) posted their 10th straight victory with a 4-1, series-sweeping win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.
''There's two things: We're young and we're athletic and that doesn't slump to be honest with you,'' said manager Alex Cora, who reminded some of his younger players to lead with energy in late May.
''I talked to some of the kids in Atlanta and their job is to, of course, play as hard as you can,'' he said. ''I told them: 'There's no excuse for you guys not bringing the energy every single day. It starts in the clubhouse with the music.'''
The 24-year-old Rafaela has joined three rookies: infielder Marcelo Mayer, outfielder Roman Anthony and catcher Carlos Narváez to give the Red Sox a jolt of successful youth leading them into the break.
Following a series-opening loss in New York on June 6, the Red Sox dropped to 10 1/2 games behind the AL East-leading Yankees. Now, just over a month later, they're a game behind them for second place, trailing the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays.
