Rafael Devers earned high praise from Alex Cora after Red Sox win vs. Yankees

Rafael Devers in the fifth inning of the Red Sox-Yankees game on Sunday.For Rafael Devers, Sunday’s 3-0 over the Yankees was a perfect break from what’s been a slow second half of the season.

The Red Sox third baseman — hitting just .177 since the All-Star break — broke out with a two-run home run (going 2-for-4 on the day) in the win.

After the game, Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Devers for his work ethic. According to Cora, the 25-year-old infielder showed up hours before the game on Sunday to work on his batting stance and catching up to Yankee fastballs.

The extra effort paid off.

“The big boy was out there early working on being on time and getting on the fastball,” said Cora. “After…