- Red Sox explode with 5-run first inning including back-to-back HRs
- Rafael Devers breaks 0-for-15 slump with 4-hit performance
- Cardinals' 9th-inning rally falls short despite 3-run effort
The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 125th Fenway Park home opener with fireworks, plating five runs in the opening frame against the St. Louis Cardinals. Trevor Story and Wilyer Abreu ignited the crowd with consecutive home runs, marking the first time since 2019 the team achieved back-to-back homers in a home opener. This offensive outburst set the tone for a game featuring 22 combined runs and 28 hits.
Slugger Rafael Devers silenced critics with a dominant 4-for-4 performance at the plate, including a crucial RBI single in the seventh inning. The third baseman had struggled mightily to start the season, striking out 15 times in his first five games. His resurgence comes at a critical time for Boston, as analysts note Fenway's unique dimensions favor left-handed power hitters like Devers during day games.
Newcomer Alex Bregman made immediate impact in his first Fenway appearance as a Red Sox, contributing two hits and scoring a pivotal run in the fifth inning. The former Astros star demonstrated why Boston invested $42 million in his free agency, showcasing defensive range at third base and plate discipline with a walk that sparked a three-run rally.
Despite Walker Buehler's shaky five-inning start (5 ER, 7 H), Boston's bullpen combination of Josh Winckowski and Greg Weissert held St. Louis to one run over three middle innings. The Cardinals mounted a late charge in the ninth, capitalizing on two errors by Red Sox infielders before Aroldis Chapman escaped a bases-loaded jam with a game-ending double play.
Regional sports economists estimate the Fenway home opener generates $18.7 million for Greater Boston through ticket sales, hospitality, and merchandise. This year's ceremony honoring the 1975 AL champions saw emotional tributes to late pitcher Luis Tiant, whose complete-game World Series performances remain etched in franchise lore.
With rain threatening Saturday's matchup, pitching becomes paramount. St. Louis plans to start Andre Pallante, who boasts a 2.08 ERA in day games since 2023. Boston counters with rookie Richard Fitts, whose 96-mph fastball could prove challenging for a Cardinals lineup that struck out 11 times on Friday.