The Boston Red Sox made a statement on Opening Day, defeating the Mariners in Seattle 6-4 to kick off the 2024 season on a high note.
Boston’s season outlook is centered on young talent, which will require capable players to stay healthy and contribute regularly. That certainly applies to Brayan Bello, who was granted a six-year contract extension during spring training. The 24-year-old pitched five innings in his maiden Opening Day start, surrendering only two runs while navigating early traffic to earn the win.
“He was excellent,” Alex Cora told reporters following the game, as shown on NESN’s postgame coverage. “He can do better. Although his command was shaky, he could still make pitches. He had the ball tonight and did enough.
“I feel like the first couple of innings, I was a little anxious,” Bello told reporters via translator Carlos Villoria, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “It was fantastic to get out of the first inning with two singles. That increased my motivation for the rest of the game.”
In terms of offense, the Red Sox will continue to rely on their big bats in the middle of the order. Rafael Devers rose to the occasion, hitting Boston’s first home run of the season off Seattle’s Luis Castillo to open the scoring. Boston’s franchise player lowered his hands during spring training as part of a series of modifications aimed at improving his game in 2024. So far this season, Devers’ performance has paid off, as he added a double later in the contest.
“I was thinking about that today,” Devers said through interpreter Carlos Villoria, as seen in NESN’s postgame footage. “As I mentioned before, everyone throws hard. I believe that tweak will benefit me throughout the season. Spring training is the time to get your job done and boost your confidence.
In terms of offense, the Red Sox will continue to rely on their big bats in the middle of the order. Rafael Devers rose to the occasion, hitting Boston’s first home run of the season off Seattle’s Luis Castillo to open the scoring. Boston’s franchise player lowered his hands during spring training as part of a series of modifications aimed at improving his game in 2024. So far this season, Devers’ performance has paid off, as he added a double later in the contest.
“I was thinking about that today,” Devers said through interpreter Carlos Villoria, as seen in NESN’s postgame footage. “As I mentioned before, everyone throws hard. I believe that tweak will benefit me throughout the season. Spring training is the time to get your job done and boost your confidence.
Boston will need similar efforts throughout the season to compete. For the time being, the Red Sox have gotten off to the right start this season.