Red Sox interim manager Torey Lovullo: ‘The guys did that for John’

Boston Red Sox interim manager Torey Lovullo and the team celebrate 15-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. Barry Chin/Globe Staff

By Chris Greenberg

August 15, 2015

1 minute to read

The Red Sox were hit with distressing news on Friday. They struck back with a season-high 15 runs and 21 hits in an emotional win over the Seattle Mariners.

Just hours before the lopsided 15-1 win, manager John Farrell announced that he has lymphoma and will be stepping away from the team for the remainder of the season as he begins treatment.

“We as a group have been walking around with a heavy heart today,’’ Red Sox interim manager Torey Lovullo said, via The Associated Press. “Our leader, our friend and our manager shared some pretty devastating news with us today.

“We hit just about every emotion that you possibly can, that was topped off with a lot of excitement in the dugout. The guys did that for John. They fought hard and played hard for John today.’’

Speaking with NESN’s Tom Caron before the first pitch on Friday night, Lovullo said Farrell would remain in the minds of his players throughout the 2015 season. Boston’s record stood at 50-64 when Farrell announced his illness.

“From my standpoint absolutely, 100 percent,’’ Lovullo responded when asked if the Red Sox would dedicate the remainder of the 2015 campaign to Farrell. “And I think everyone else is going to feel the same way. Listening to Dustin and David talk, I think everybody is here for John and he’s in our prayers first and foremost.’’