Jackie Bradley Jr. is a defensive wizard in the outfield. But he has been never considered a clutch hitter, however, that has all changed within a matter of days. The Boston Red Sox were expected to be carried by Mookie Betts, JD Martinez, and Chris Sale against the Houston Astros in the ALCS. Surprisingly, they have been carried by Bradley who has done his best David Ortiz impression. Wednesday night, in Game 4, Bradley’s postseason highlight reel continued to grow when the Sox needed him the most.

Rick Porcello got the start for Boston in Game 4. In six innings of work this postseason entering the game, he had only given up one run. He was not nearly as dominant Wednesday, allowing four runs in just four innings, including two home runs. Joe Kelly relieved Porcello but gave up one run in his only inning of work. This made the score 5-4 entering the sixth inning, setting up Bradley for another dramatic moment. After a two-out double by Christian Vazquez, Bradley stepped to the plate. He belted a home run to give the Red Sox a 6-5 lead that they would only add to. Bradley not only propelled the Sox to victory with that swing, but joined elite company.

Bradley has now driven in the third most runs by a Red Sox player in the LCS. He trails only Manny Ramirez, who drove in 10 in 2007, and David Ortiz, who drove in 11 in the Red Sox’s historic 2004 comeback. Bradley is now tied for second with the most multi-RBI games in an ALCS in Red Sox history. All of Bradley’s runs batted in have also come with two outs and the Red Sox trailing. His numbers are even more impressive when compared to the rest of the Red Sox’s offense.

In the series, the Red Sox have scored 25 runs. Bradley has driven in nine of those and is the only Red Sox player with more than three runs batted in. Of the Red Sox’s three home runs in the series, JBJ has two of them. Bradley does not have the highest average on the team but he is carrying this offense. This is something very few saw coming after Bradley struggled mightily in the ALDS.

Against the New York Yankees, Bradley was one of the worst Red Sox hitters. In 12 at-bats, he had only two hits and did not drive in a single run. He had the third lowest average on the team and was a non-factor offensively. Against Houston, he is not lighting the world on fire, as he is only hitting .250, but what he has done is come through in every clutch moment.

Due to Bradley’s heroics, the Red Sox now have a 3-1 series lead. Thursday, they have a chance of eliminating Houston in front of their own fans. It would be fitting for this team, as last year Houston eliminated the Red Sox from the playoffs in front of the Fenway faithful. The Red Sox, however, would not be in this position without Bradley. With their season on the line, the Astros will be at their best. The Red Sox may need more of Bradley’s heroics in the series that he will never forget.