Red Sox Edge Palms in Rainy Fenway Opener

BOSTON — A cold, rainy evening at Fenway Park was just a little too much for the Miami Palms to overcome, as they fell 3–2 to the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

All the offense came early, as the Red Sox struck for three runs in the bottom of the third inning against Miami starter Manny Parra (0–2). Rafael Devers did the bulk of the damage, driving in two runs with a sharp double off the Green Monster. Christian Vazquez followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home what would prove to be the game-winning run.

Miami (2–5) answered right back in the fourth, cutting the lead to one. Matt Wieters continued his strong start to the year with an RBI double to right-center, and Yairo Munoz added a run-scoring single. But that was all the Palms would manage against Boston starter Darwinzon Hernandez (1–0), who scattered eight hits over eight steady innings without issuing a walk.

“We had our shots,” Palms manager Scott Hatteberg said. “But in this weather, you really have to take advantage of every little opportunity. We didn’t tonight.”

Brett Gardner and Nick Markakis were held hitless at the top of the Miami order, setting a tough tone for the night. Frank Sohn stayed hot with two more hits, including a double, but Miami stranded six runners overall.

The Palms bullpen delivered a strong performance, with Cody Allen, Wandy Peralta, and Jeremy Jeffress combining for four scoreless innings to keep the game close. However, Boston closer Matt Barnes retired the side in order in the ninth for his first save.

“We battled right to the end,” said Matt Wieters, who is now hitting .304. “We just have to keep pushing. It’s a long season.”

Miami will try to even the series Saturday afternoon, with right-hander Dylan Bundy scheduled to make his second start of the year.

Box Score

Boston Red Sox 3, Miami Palms 2
Friday, April 3, 2020 – Fenway Park, Boston

Miami Palms (2-5)

PlayerABRHRBIBBSOAVG
Gardner, CF400000.367
Markakis, LF400001.120
Grant, 1B411000.208
Encarnacion, DH401001.185
Holt, 2B401001.250
Sohn, RF412000.321
Wieters, C401100.304
Munoz, SS402100.300
Koch, 3B300000.200

Totals — 35 AB, 2 R, 8 H, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 3 SO

Boston Red Sox (1-0)

PlayerABRHRBIBBSOAVG
Peraza, 2B310012.000
Bogaerts, SS411000.250
Martinez, DH412001.500
Devers, 3B302210.667
Chavis, 1B200022.000
Vazquez, C400101.000
Puello, LF401002.250
Bradley Jr., CF401001.250
Pillar, RF401001.250

Totals — 32 AB, 3 R, 8 H, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 10 SO

Pitching

Miami Palms

PitcherIPHRERBBSOERA
Parra (L, 0-2)4.0633364.50
Allen1.0000120.00
Peralta2.0100026.75
Jeffress1.0100005.40

Boston Red Sox

PitcherIPHRERBBSOERA
Hernandez (W, 1-0)8.0822032.25
Barnes (S, 1)1.0000000.00

Game Notes:

  • 2B: Wieters (1), Sohn (5), Devers 2 (2), Puello (1)

  • 3B: Martinez (1)

  • RBI: Wieters (6), Munoz (2); Devers 2 (2), Vazquez (1)

  • LOB: Miami 6, Boston 9

  • Temperature: 44°F | Weather: Light Rain | Wind: NE at 28 mph


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