Wilyer Abreu powers Red Sox to season-opening win with late homer
- Wilyer Abreu played a pivotal role in the Red Sox's Opening Day win against the Rangers in Texas.
- He contributed to all five runs scored by Boston, including two home runs.
- The victory marks a strong start for the Red Sox in their 2025 season.
On March 27, 2025, the Boston Red Sox faced off against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, for their season opener. Wilyer Abreu emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly to the team's 5-2 win. He made crucial plays throughout the game, including a single in the third inning that contributed to the Red Sox's first run of the season. Abreu tied the game with a solo homer in the fifth off pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, showcasing his offensive prowess early on. In the ninth inning, with the score tied at 2-2, Abreu delivered what would be the game-winning hit—an impressive three-run homer that traveled 394 feet to right-center off new Rangers reliever Luke Jackson. Prior to Abreu's heroics, the game featured a strong performance by Garrett Crochet, who started for Boston. This was Crochet's debut for the Red Sox and marked the youngest left-handed starter on Opening Day for Boston since Babe Ruth in 1918. With five innings pitched, Crochet provided a solid but not spectacular outing, allowing two runs while striking out four and walking two. The Rangers took an early lead in the game thanks to Kevin Pillar's RBI single in the second inning, followed by a two-out single from Kyle Higashioka that put the Rangers ahead 2-1 in the fourth inning. However, the Red Sox fought back, demonstrating resilience as they tied the game in the third and fifth innings before Abreu's decisive swing in the ninth. Aroldis Chapman made his Red Sox debut, pitching a scoreless eighth inning, while Justin Slaten secured the save with a perfect ninth. The match served as an entertaining display of competitive baseball with numerous engaging moments. Notably, Christian Campbell, the 22-year-old making his big league debut for the Red Sox, recorded his first career hit just before Abreu's explosive home run. Overall, the game marked a successful start to the Red Sox's 2025 season, setting a positive tone for the team's aspirations moving forward. Boston's sharp defense and strategic plays complemented their offensive efforts, ensuring that the Opening Day victory left fans optimistic about the season ahead.