Rich Hill’s expression said it all.
For nearly three hours last night, the Milton native was almost perfect for the Red Sox. He had given up only one hit, and now, as he uncorked his 116th pitch, he was one out from his first shutout in nine years. That’s when Orioles slugger Chris Davis, the major league leader in home runs, crushed a curveball to right field.
“I thought it was actually in the seats,” Hill said later.
There wasn’t much Hill could do besides turn and watch it go. And then, out of nowhere, right fielder Mookie Betts leaped at the wall, used his hand to keep himself from tumbling over, and brought the ball back.