Home / Sports / Red Sox End Skid with Home Opener Thriller
Red Sox End Skid with Home Opener Thriller
3 Apr
Summary
- Mayer and Contreras hit crucial home runs to break a tie.
- Caleb Durbin's RBI single ended his season-opening hitless streak.
- Sonny Gray secured the win with six strong innings pitched.
The Boston Red Sox ended their five-game losing streak on Friday, securing a 5-2 victory in their home opener against the San Diego Padres. The win improved Boston's season record to 2-5.
Key offensive performances included home runs from Marcelo Mayer and Willson Contreras in the sixth inning, which broke a 2-2 tie and propelled the Red Sox to their win. Caleb Durbin provided a critical RBI single in the fourth inning, marking the end of his challenging 0-for-19 start to the season and an overall hitless streak dating back to September 22, 2025.
Sonny Gray (1-0) was credited with the win for the Red Sox, delivering a solid performance by pitching six innings and allowing only two runs on four hits. Aroldis Chapman closed out the game in the ninth, earning his second save of the season despite walking one batter. The Padres' efforts to tie the game in the fifth, fueled by a triple from Miguel Andujar and hits from Gavin Sheets and Luis Campusano, were ultimately insufficient.
Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, playing at Fenway Park against his former team for the first time since joining San Diego in 2022, received a warm reception from the crowd, including a standing ovation. Bogaerts was honored for his contributions to Boston's two World Series championships during his 10 seasons with the team. The teams are scheduled to face off again on Saturday, with RHP Randy Vásquez set to pitch for the Padres against LHP Connelly Early for the Red Sox.
