Are you not entertained?!
If you weren’t screaming your head off at your TV or radio at 6:30pm Thursday, I don’t know what to tell you.
Wilyer Abreu started off the season with a BANG today, clearly telling everyone not to forget about him amidst the Roman Anthony hype. His first home run was a thing of beauty, a moonshot down the right-field line to tie the game 2-2. He steps up in the ninth inning and rips a laser beam that clears that funky bullpen wall in right-center to put this game to bed.
That’s not to say he’s the only reason the Red Sox won this one. Ace Garrett Crochet did just enough of what he needed to. Not the most dominant outing, but 5.0 frames with only 2 runs, 2 walks and 4 K’s, he pushed himself just as much as he needed to. The bullpen came in clutch with four shutout frames. The guys who got on base showcased speed, athleticism and good base-running decisions.
To paraphrase what Wilyer Abreu said in the postgame, it’s just the first game but it’s special and sets the tone going forward. That’s quite the tone setter to begin the 2025 campaign.
Three Studs
Wilyer Abreu (3-for-3, 3 runs, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 2 HRs)
Wilyer becomes the first Sox since Hanley Ramirez and Pedey in 2015 to hit multiple homers on Opening Day. That’s some interesting company!
The Bullpen (4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Ks, win, save)
After Crochet did enough to keep the Sox in it, massive credit goes to the bullpen for staying as solid as they were. Only two hits given up over the final four frames, as little drama as possible. For what we’re predicting to be the shakiest aspect of this team, it’s good to subvert our expectations.
Alex Cora
This is now Cora’s second Opening Day in a row that he’s won. Today was a fantastic showcase of his decision making. I’m sure Crochet at 88 pitches through 5 frames was pushing to get another inning on the bump, but credit to Cora for taking care of him from the get-go. The bullpen decisions paid off, especially having Chapman go up against Corey Seager to lead off the 8th inning. Justin Slaten looked cool as a cucumber for a 1-2-3 9th inning for the save. Garrett Whitlock tossed two very strong innings to move the line along. Keeping Kristian Campbell in the lineup for the ninth—getting his first MLB hit as a result—to keep Abreu in the lineup, and we know how that ended up. A great job to not get in his own way, balance big ball and small ball, and earn the victory.
Three Duds
Triston Casas (0-for-4, 2 Ks)
Did Casas absolutely get robbed of a single on a beautiful play by Josh Smith? You bet. Did he look a little sluggish today? Yeah, he did. It happens.
Rafael Devers (0-for-4, 3 Ks)
Devers also gets a pass for getting into game shape but three whiffs is brutal.
Overall Plate Discipline (13 total Ks)
13 strikeouts in general isn’t something you love to see, 9 at the behest of Nathan Eovaldi—who did look great for the Rangers today. Only six hits isn’t good, but earning the win without your top hitters really contributing showcases the depth this lineup has. Still, lots of work to do in lots of time.
Play of the Game
Come on…there’s zero debate here.