After beginning the season 1-5 on the road against the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros, the Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park for their home opener on Friday against the San Diego Padres.
Boston won their season opener last Thursday against the Reds, but was swept by the Astros in three ugly games. Even ace Garrett Crochet, who was supposed to be their stopper against Houston, was roughed up on Wednesday afternoon. After a dreadful start on the road, they are hoping the friendly confines of Fenway Park are what they need to turn things around.
The reception from the fans will be interesting given how things have started, but the Red Sox are looking forward to some home cooking.
Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Excited for Home Opener
There is always something special about a home opener, but for Boston, this season is different as they enter on a five-game losing streak. Cora appeared to be laying the groundwork for a warm welcome from the fans on Friday afternoon.
“It’s always good to be home,” said Cora. “A special place, with special fans. We’re hoping for a special season. Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted on that road trip, but we’re able to reset… It’s always cool. Regardless of the weather.”
It’s just six of 162 games for the Red Sox this season; however, they are in the loaded American League East Division. The New York Yankees are 5-1 to begin the season. Don’t look past the defending AL champs, the Toronto Blue Jays, who are 4-2. The Baltimore Orioles are better, and the Tampa Bay Rays are a scrappy group. A slow start to the season could create a long summer in trying to recover.
Alex Cora Hints at What Will Turn the Red Sox Season Around
The early-season struggles are real for the Red Sox. Hitting, pitching, or shaky defense, you name it, it has been an issue. Young star Roman Anthony is stuck in a big slump. However, after striking out four times in Tuesday night’s loss, he didn’t start on Wednesday. He came late as a pinch-hitter and hit a solo home run in what was a 6-4 loss.
Sometimes that’s the start of something in helping a hitter turn things around. Cora is hoping that’s the case, but he mentioned what they need to do.
“We just need to hit, to be honest with you,” Cora said. “We’re 1-5, that’s the reality of this.”
The numbers don’t lie. However, six games into the season, Boston is going to get a good test at home over the next week. After the Padres, the Milwaukee Brewers will visit. Those six games will tell Cora a lot about whether the 1-5 start is a sign of things to come or just a blip early in the season.
Cora is great at deflecting the attention away from his players. He was trying to do that before Friday’s game. If Boston is 3-3 or better, he isn’t making it look obvious. Instead, an interesting weekend is coming up for the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
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