They opened with an 8-2 win over the Yankees in New York, a game the Sox led from the second inning on. It was the first Red Sox win on Opening Day since 2010, and New York's first home opener loss since 1982.
Jon Lester went five strong innings, and allowed the two New York runs. He almost got out of a bases loaded, one out jam, but gave up a two-RBI single to the light hitting Francisco Cervelli.
The bullpen was splendid, allowing nothing but two walks in four innings. It will clearly be a strength for this team in 2013.
Jackie Bradley Jr. made his MLB debut and drew three walks (as many as Carl Crawford had in all of 2012), scored two runs and made a great running catch to end the third inning (pictured).
The offensive stars were the top of the lineup, as Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits and two RBI; Shane Victorino had two hits and three RBI; and Dustin Pedroia had two hits and an RBI. Jose Iglesias chipped in with three hits and an RBI.
I know the Yankees are really banged up, and will get a few of their major stars back soon. But C.C. Sabathia didn't have it all, allowing four runs in five innings. This could well be a VERY long year in the Bronx, as this team has "last place" written all over them. (And did you see how empty the place was in the 9th inning? Granted the Sox put the game on ice and some rain began to fall, but that was embarrassing just how empty it was. The fans are jumping off the ship awfully quickly, don't you think? And BTW, the game was NOT a sellout.)
It will be nice to look in the papers tomorrow to see the Red Sox and Mets both in first (the Mets whacked the Padres, 11-2 at Citi Field) and the Yankees in last.
Not all of those positions may hold as the season goes on, but you never know.
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