Alex Cora showed how versatile the Boston Red Sox can be in their Opening Day 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Fans have heightened expectations this year compared to last, and getting it done in the way that this group did is only going to elevate those. Starting 1-0 on the season and having more signs of encouragement than concerns was the ideal way to begin 2025.

Tied at two apiece heading into the ninth, the ultimate lead came from decisions by a manager wanting to put all of his cards on the table. Trevor Story initially did well to stay alive and get the walk to first. Then, on what was the second stolen base of the afternoon, Story found himself in scoring position.

Then rookie Kristian Campbell came for his third at-bat. Maybe it’s not quite how someone would want their first official hit in the majors. It certainly counts, however, and the second baseman forced the Rangers’ infield into a tough play that they weren’t able to make. Already at second, Story was able to advance to third. David Hamilton entered as a pitch runner. This set the plate up for Wilyer Abreu.

Already 2-for-2 on the day, the right fielder showed his clean, powerful swing to push the Red Sox ahead for a three-run lead. On an overall low hit day for the ball club that had left a few stranded, the lefty made sure to put this one out of doubt with his second homer of the day.

The top of the rotation struggled, but Abreu picked up the slack. It’s only the first day of real action, and batters getting into an in-season rhythm is going to happen. To see someone already looking this good and delivering deep shots is a scary thought for opposing teams.

Red Sox Pitching Has A Good Day

Garrett Crochet went five innings and gave up two runs. It was an overall good outing at the mound. For the most part, he had good control and looked confident as the starter, wanting to pitch longer despite Cora taking him out earlier than he would have liked.

Aroldis Chapman is the closer, but the manager has already said that depending on the matchup he could turn to someone else to get the save, as was the case on Thursday. Justin Slaten came in for the ninth. 

Chapman, Slaten, and the arm of Garrett Whitlock didn’t give up a run, and Cora showed some of the options that he has available moving forward. Liam Hendriks will start on the IL as announced earlier before the game, but the reliever expressed his confidence in being able to make his season debut for the team soon.

Overall, it was a win that more recent Boston sides would have found ways to lose. Instead, the first game of the year showed how diverse this group is on offense and in their pitching. A couple more bats will soon match the efforts of Abreu, and this ball club will look to contend in what should be an interesting AL East. 

Photo Credit; The Boston Globe, KLTV

***Are you interested in sports betting? If so, make sure to use our promo code below where you can get your deposit matched (up to $1000). Use promo code Sportz***

***Have you tried Dubby?? Are you looking for a Pre-Workout??
Our promo code : WeLikeSportz for 10% off!***