Rafael Devers breaks season slump with two-hit game against Orioles

In Baltimore on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox broke out of a significant early-season slump by achieving his first hits of the 2025 season in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. Until that point, he had gone 0-for-19 at the plate, which included a historic start to the season where he recorded 15 strikeouts over his first five games. The struggle was attributed to various factors, including recovery from shoulder injuries suffered during the previous year and concerns over his transition from third base to designated hitter. Boston manager Alex Cora expressed confidence in Devers’ ability to rediscover his form, emphasizing that a breakthrough was imminent. Devers's first hit of the game came in the top of the fifth inning, driving the Red Sox to a 3-0 lead, as he connected with a down-and-in curveball from Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin, blasting it into right field with considerable velocity. The hit brought a smile to Devers’s face and elicited excitement from his teammates, as well as a supportive ovation from the crowd. He followed up with a second hit in the eighth inning, thus going 2-for-4 in that game without any strikeouts, indicating a positive turn in form. Following the victory over the Orioles, Devers had quickly improved his batting average from a dismal .087, providing hope for the rest of the season and confirming his ability to bounce back from early struggles. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman also made headlines during the Red Sox's home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 4, where both he and Devers contributed significantly to the game. Devers reached base multiple times, scoring and driving in runs, showcasing a potential resurgence in his performance as he adjusted to playing predominantly as a designated hitter. Boston's offense saw a major boost, indicated by early scoring and solid pitching from Walker Buehler, leading them to secure their third straight win.