Red Sox a good fit for Pearce

TORONTO In the hyperbole of the moment, Steve Pearce’s superlative snag at first on Tuesday night was billed as one of the greatest defensive plays in Boston Red Sox history.

But who has time to review a century of action from the historic franchise?

What we do know is Pearce, the first baseman in Boston, has made a much greater impact with the AL East champs than he did in a season and a half with the Toronto Blue Jays. What was initially seen as a depth acquisition has become a key part of Boston’s charge to the ALCS, which begins at Fenway Park on Saturday against the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros.

Rewind to the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium in Tuesday’s clincher, an inning that began with a three-run Sox lead and the Champagne chilled in the visiting clubhouse. Then the Yankees scored one run, and another, and with runners at first and third, Gleyber Torres connected on a slow roller that forced third baseman Eduardo Nunez to charge and throw quickly.

Pearce had to stretch awkwardly while keeping his foot on the bag for the final out. Miss it and the series could well have been headed to a fifth game. Make it like he did, and he is an unlikely hero.

In a career that has seen him play for seven teams, Pearce has had 256 starts at first, more than any other position.

Since his arrival in Boston, Pearce has done just what manager Dave Dombrowski hoped he would against southpaws, hitting .308 (regular season and playoffs) including a pair of hits in Tuesday ’s clincher.

“It’s been a good fit since I got here,” said Pearce, who grew up a Red Sox fan and has relished the Fenway Park experience. “To be able to contribute has made it even better.”