The Boston Red Sox have seemed to hit a nice groove early on in the MLB season as April comes to a close and we spring into May. The Sox end April winning six out of their last seven, while outscoring opponents 43-20 in that span. The bats have appeared to be heating up.  They end the month with a record of 14-10, only a half game behind the division-leading Baltimore Orioles.

Ortiz Still Getting The Job Done

David Ortiz: the man that appears to never age. Despite being 40 years old, Ortiz is still getting the job done at the plate. Papi went 25-78 in the month of April, a .321 average while hitting five homers and driving in 19 runs. To add to those numbers, Ortiz even had a stolen base. It is amazing how consistent this man has been for this organization. With his retirement approaching after the season, it is a good sign to see his production at a high level so he can end his career on a good note.

Pitching Rotation Leads The Way

It has been amazing to see the Red Sox pitching rotation start off strong. David Price starts off the year 3-0 although his 5.76 ERA isn’t up to his standards. Price, the ace of the staff,  is performing well, but it has really been the other guys who are stepping up. Starters such as Steven Wright (2-2 with a 1.37 ERA) and Rick Porcello (5-0 with a 2.76 ERA) have really led the way for the staff. Closer Craig Kimbrel is seven for eight in save situations and has an opposing average of just .132 through 11 innings of work. It is no secret that the pitching has been much improved from last year so far.

Impact Of The Fenway Faithful

Despite a rough season last year, the Fenway Faithful are still packing in for their beloved team. The fan base has been stronger than ever, and they have been successful in helping to keep their hometown team focused on winning. There is nothing Sox fans love more than winning, and the Red Sox are giving them just that, especially over these last few games. Between new additions of big names, Ortiz’s last season, and players like Dustin Pedroia and Brock Holt who show heart and hustle, fans have a lot to be excited about. Add that to the young talent of guys like Betts, Bradley Jr., Bogaerts, and Shaw, and we might have something here.  Red Sox fans will likely have the privilege of watching solid baseball. It has only been one month, but it has been a good one.  Better than many people expected, in fact. Is this going to be a championship year? Who knows.  But the Sox are off to a decent start and are in good position to put together a great 2016 season.

Follow Nick Galle on Twitter @the_nick_galle

Photo Credit: Mark L. Baer/USA via faketeams.com

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