Sox Bullpen Struggles in Opening Day Loss

By Tyler Englander 3/30/2018

Everything was going right in the Red Sox season opener, but then the Sox bullpen entered the game. The Red Sox began their 2018 season by blowing a 4-0 lead against Tampa Bay, losing to the Rays 6-4 at Tropicana Field.

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Lefty Chris Sale got the start and was dominant. Sale threw six shutout innings, giving up just one hit while striking out nine. His teammates got him a 4-0 lead, two of the runs coming on a dramatic 2-run inside-the-park home run by Eduardo Nunez in the second inning.

Matt Barnes pitched a scoreless 7th inning when the trouble began in the 8th. Boston relievers gave up six runs in the inning which proved to be the difference. Joe Kelly struggled mightily, walking three and giving up four runs. Carson Smith came in next and wasn’t much better, giving up two more runs and was charged with the loss.

The Red Sox are back at it Friday with David Price taking the mound. Price is looking to bounce back after an injury filled 2017 season. He’ll be opposed by Rays lefty Blake Snell.