Boston Red Sox at Athletics

For Ceddanne Rafaela’s first career grand slam, there was no bat flip. In fact, there was a bit of a bat slam to the ground. But playing in the friendly hitting confines of Sutter Health Park, even what feels like a pop fly can be a game-breaking moment. Athletics left fielder Colby Thomas took a step in when the ball first took flight, then he raced back in an effort to try to keep it from leaving the yard. Instead, his glove tipped it right over the fence, giving Rafaela and the Red Sox reason to celebrate. Rafaela’s game-changing slam with two outs in the top of the sixth accounted for all of Boston’s runs in a 4-2 victory over the A’s. “I thought it was a flyout,” acknowledged Rafaela. “I thought I didn't hit it \[well\