Ceddanne Rafaela Reacts To Clutch Pinch-Hit In Red Sox Victory originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Ceddanne Rafaela played a huge role off the Boston Red Sox bench in Monday's 8-6 win over the Detroit Tigers.

With the game tied in the seventh inning, Alex Cora brought in Rafaela to pinch-hit for Marcelo Mayer with the bases loaded. The center fielder justified the move by hitting a two-run single against left-handed relief pitcher Tyler Holton.

Rafaela responded to the big moment after the game, via NESN on X.

"It feels good to help the team," Rafaela said. "Yeah, I was excited."

Ceddanne Rafaela on his pinch hit RBI that helped the Red Sox seal an 8-6 victory over the Tigers 🎙️"Feels good to help the team" 💪🤝 presented by @WBMasonCopic.twitter.com/FPNPwlYbJK

The 25-year-old fell behind to an 0-2 count before hitting an outside changeup the opposite way past the diving reach of Tigers first baseman Colt Keith. Rafaela explained his approach during the at-bat.

"I was looking for a pitch that I could bring the runs in," Rafaela said. "I went quick to two strikes, and in my mind I was going to battle. Just battle and try to bring in the runs."

Like most of the Red Sox lineup, Rafaela has struggled in the power department thus far. He's gone deep once in 71 plate appearances and registered three doubles.

However, the career .249 hitter is batting .286 with a 5.6 walk percentage above his career 3.9 percent clip. Rafaela has taken a more selective approach, swinging and missing at fewer pitches.

Staying sharp off the bench could be an essential skill for Boston's outfielders, as a logjam may subject them all to occasional days out of the starting lineup. The Red Sox follow their Patriots' Day win by beginning a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday.

More MLB: Red Sox Show Impressive Resilience Vs. Tigers After All-Star Pitcher Goes Down