Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is taking on a new sport.
Betts has accepted an invitation from the Professional Bowlers Association to compete in the World Series of Bowling VII in Reno on Dec. 7-19.
Betts has two certified 300 games and finished third in the Tennessee high school championship in 2010 while at Overton High in Nashville. He set state records with a 290 game and 827 series in scholastic play.
The PBA invited Betts after learning of his background in bowling.
In Reno, Betts will compete against a field with bowlers from more than 20 countries. From Dec. 8-10, Betts will bowl nine qualifying games in each of the four tournaments comprising the event.
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If Betts finishes among the top 25 percent of the field based on those 36 games, he will advance to the PBA World Championship round Dec. 12.
Betts hit .291 with 18 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases this season.
Of his 174 hits, 64 were on the ground. Perhaps that will help in Reno.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.