Peraza accentuates hot streak with energetic HR

BOSTON — As Oswald Peraza jogged around the bases Thursday night, the 23-year-old punched the air and skipped before pointing to the heavens as he touched second base.

The infielder, more than a little excited after crushing his first home run of the season over the Green Monster, continued to wear his emotions on his sleeve as he rounded third and crossed the plate.

Peraza’s two-run blast gave the Yankees room to breathe in an 8-5 win over the Red Sox and capped a 4-for-9 doubleheader performance that also included a Game 2 double.

“Incredible moment right there for me,” Peraza said of the homer, which traveled 403 feet.

After the game Aaron Boone said it was “good to see him really get into a ball.”

“He’s been getting some results lately, but tonight was a lot better,” the manager said. “He’s capable of that. He’s capable of driving the ball, hitting the ball with authority on a line. He’s strong. He’s got bat speed.”

As Boone noted, Peraza’s recent production extends beyond Thursday’s power surge.

Prior to Friday’s series opener in Pittsburgh, Peraza was slashing .375/.375/.575 over his last 10 games and 40 plate appearances. That span included 15 hits, five doubles and six RBIS, in addition to the home run at Fenway Park.

Peraza’s run has also shown his veteran teammates what he’s capable of.

“He’s gonna be a big piece for us down the road,” said Aaron Judge, who clubbed a grand slam before Peraza’s dinger. “He’s a young, smart hitter, an athletic guy that can play all over the field.

“Getting him the confidence, getting him the at-bats and him showing up like this, it’s huge.”

Added DJ Lemahieu: “He’s a talented player and he can do a lot of things. It’s good to see him putting some good things together consistently.”

Peraza’s recent stretch has been encouraging amid a season that has otherwise not gone his way.

A natural shortstop, Peraza lost that position battle to Anthony Volpe in spring training, and he spent most of the year stuck in Triple A, where he put up strong numbers. But prior to the last 10 games Peraza had hit .129/.253/.141 over 29 major-league contests, which came over multiple big-league stints this season.

Now, however, the Yankees are committed to playing their kids. The regular playing time is starting to pay off for Peraza, who has mostly played third while tweaking his hitting mechanics to get into a better “striking position,” Boone said.

“I’ve had a string of games here in the big leagues,” Peraza said. “This game at this level, it’s about adjustments, and I’m feeling more comfortable making more consistent adjustments and having better at-bats overall.

“Definitely feeling more and more comfortable.”