Marcelo Mayer Channels Red Sox Legend, Sonny Gray Shines in Home Opener Win
Boston returned from a six-game road trip with a 1-5 record. The Red Sox answered with a 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres in Friday’s home opener at Fenway Park.
Sonny Gray sets the tone
Sonny Gray delivered six strong innings. He allowed two earned runs on four hits, struck out three and issued no walks.
Gray worked quickly. He tossed 87 pitches and recorded four 1-2-3 innings. The start followed a rough outing in Cincinnati, when he lasted only four frames.
Game flow and defensive moments
The crowd of 36,233 was loud all afternoon. Manny Machado drew sustained boos from the sellout crowd during his at-bats.
San Diego’s rally in the fifth began with a misplay in center. Ceddanne Rafaela lost a fly ball in the sunlight, allowing Miguel Andújar to reach third with one out. Gavin Sheets’ RBI single and Luis Campusano’s RBI double tied the game momentarily.
Offense breaks through
The Red Sox produced nine hits and one walk. They struck out eight times, were 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, and left four men on base.
Marcelo Mayer led off the fourth with a double and scored on Rafaela’s RBI single. Later, Mayer sent Wandy Peralta’s first pitch deep to right-center for a homer. The play ended with Fernando Tatis Jr. tumbling into the bullpen while trying to chase the ball.
Marcelo Mayer Channels Red Sox Legend with his long fly into the Fenway seats. The blast drew a loud reaction from fans and teammates.
Key hits and firsts
Caleb Durbin snapped a long hitless stretch with a two-out RBI single in the fourth. The hit gave Boston breathing room after the Padres’ fifth-inning threat.
Willson Contreras had a day of firsts. He became the first player at Fenway to successfully use the Automatic Ball-Strike System. He also hit his first Red Sox home run, a 423-foot shot over the Green Monster, which put Boston back in front.
Late innings and bullpen work
Greg Weissert and Justin Slaten threw perfect seventh and eighth innings. Aroldis Chapman recorded the save in the ninth.
Chapman’s save was his second of the season and the 369th of his career. That total moved him past former Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon into sole possession of 11th on the all-time saves list.
Manager and team notes
Alex Cora praised the pitching after the win. He referenced the club’s offseason moves, including signing Ranger Suárez and roster shifts involving Alex Bregman.
The game lasted two hours and 19 minutes. The victory provided respite after being outscored 32-14 during a five-game skid to start the season.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow the Red Sox as the season progresses. Sonny Gray Shines in Home Opener Win and the club will look to build on this performance.
