Boston Red Sox Hammer Nats in Fenway Opener
Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) crosses home plate after his home run hit against the Washington Nationals in the sixth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox (5-2) welcomed New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to Fenway Park Monday afternoon to throw out the honorary first pitch of Opening Day 2015. With the Super Bowl champion on hand, Mookie Betts and the Red Sox did not disappoint, hammering Washington Nationals (2-5) starter Jordan Zimmerman en route to a 9-4 victory.
Zimmerman’s outing was short-lived after the Red Sox posted eight runs on seven hits through the first three innings. Zimmerman was yanked after recording just seven outs.
David Ortiz plated Boston’s first run in the opening frame on a single to left that scored Betts. Before scoring, Betts stole second base after drawing a walk and then proceeded to swipe third when he noticed the bag was uncovered.
In the top half of the first, Betts made a leaping, highlight-reel grab to take away a two-run homer. The 22-year-old center fielder was just getting started though.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
Betts was also responsible for inflicting most of the offensive damage. Betts belted a three-run homer in the second off Zimmerman to put Boston on top 4-0.
“He took the game over. He’s a talented, exciting player,” Boston manager John Farrell said following the game.
The Red Sox continued the hit parade in the third. Sandy Leon and Xander Bogaerts each tallied RBI singles. Betts would add his fourth RBI of the day later in the inning. Dustin Pedroia closed out the frame with a sacrifice fly to right that gave Boston a commanding 8-0 advantage.
Rick Porcello got the start for Boston and he throughly impressed in his Fenway debut. Porcello pitched eight solid innings, allowing three earned runs, four hits and he struck out six Nats. He improved to 1-1 on the season with the victory. Junichi Tazawa pitched the ninth and struck out the side.
Ryan Zimmerman and Danny Espinosa both hit solo homers in the contest for Washington. Espinosa added another RBI on a groundout, as did Ian Desmond.
Boston has now earned a win in 18 of their last 23 Fenway openers.
Justin Masterson will take the hill for the Red Sox in Tuesday’s matchup. The Nats will counter with Stephen Strasburg.