Alex Cora issued a strong endorsement of his young Red Sox team after Boston claimed its eighth straight win behind a Ceddanne Rafaela walk-off homer — and the toughest part of their schedule still lies ahead.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora told “WEEI Afternoons” that rookie outfielder is “becoming a force” for his baseball team, confirming that the 21-year-old will make his debut in left field in their series finale against the Rockies.