How Red Sox's Jarren Duran Described World Baseball Classic Experience
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Jarren Duran became the latest Boston Red Sox player to enjoy a big World Baseball Classic moment.
Masataka Yoshida, Brayan Bello and Nate Eaton are among the Red Sox representatives making an early WBC impact. Duran joined that company by homering in Mexico's 16-0 win over Brazil on Sunday.
After the game, Duran discussed the surreal atmosphere at Houston's Daikin Park with MLB Network's Jon Morosi. A heavy contingency of Mexico fans packed the venue to create an environment that Duran said felt more energetic than Yankee Stadium during last October's postseason series between the Red Sox and Yankees.
"You can't describe it. You have to be here to witness it, but it's one of the loudest crowds I've been a part of," Duran said. " And I got to play in the playoffs last year, and it doesn't even come close to this."
Duran belted three home runs and two doubles in five spring training games before leaving for the WBC. He went hitless in an 8-2 win over Great Britain, drawing a walk and stealing a base from the leadoff role, before going 2-for-3 with three RBIs on Sunday.
The 29-year-old couldn't contain his excitement while rounding the bases after his home run.
"I feel like I haven't done much for this team, and I didn't do much in the last WBC, but it meant a lot to me," Duran said. "I was trying not to smile too much, but it means a lot to me to be able to do that for these fans."
Duran, who was born in California, is proud to honor his father's Mexican heritage.
"When I hit that homer, the first thing I thought of was my dad and his family, and how I can represent the," Duran said. "And I know they're going crazy for me back home, so it means a lot to me."
Daikin Park may be even more electric when Duran opposes Red Sox teammate Roman Anthony and the United States on Monday. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
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