Red Sox Struggle Continues as Padres Hammer Them at Fenway

Boston's Roman Anthony calls out team's lack of focus and preparation after another tough loss.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:36pm

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A cubist painting depicting a baseball game at Fenway Park, with the field, players, and stadium seating broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the fragmented and disjointed nature of the Red Sox's disappointing start to the season.A cubist interpretation of the Red Sox's latest defeat at Fenway Park, as the team's struggles continue to fracture the hopes of their passionate fanbase.San Diego Today

The Boston Red Sox's dismal start to the 2026 MLB season reached a new low on Sunday, as the San Diego Padres rallied for a 6-4 victory at Fenway Park. All-Star infielder Manny Machado hit a decisive three-run home run in the fifth inning to give the Padres the lead, leaving Red Sox players and fans frustrated.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's struggles have been a major storyline early in the season, as the storied franchise looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Veteran outfielder Roman Anthony's critical comments highlight the team's lack of focus and preparation, raising concerns about the overall direction of the club.

The details

With the Red Sox leading 4-3 in the top of the fifth, Machado crushed a 365-foot home run off the Green Monster to give the Padres a 6-4 advantage. The loss dropped the Red Sox to 5-12 on the season, already 8 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

  • The game took place on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Padres' go-ahead home run came in the top of the fifth inning.

The players

Manny Machado

All-Star infielder for the San Diego Padres who hit the decisive three-run home run in the fifth inning.

Roman Anthony

Veteran outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who criticized the team's lack of focus and preparation following the loss.

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What they’re saying

“You just continue to show up every day, work your [expletive] off and get in the video room and be as prepared as you possibly can,”

— Roman Anthony, Red Sox Outfielder

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to bounce back in their next series against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays, with the first game scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's early-season struggles have exposed deeper issues within the organization, with veteran players like Roman Anthony openly questioning the team's focus and preparation. If the Red Sox can't turn things around soon, it could be a long and disappointing season for the storied franchise and its passionate fanbase.