Red Sox Defeat Reds 3-0 on Opening Day

Garrett Crochet throws 6 shutout innings in Boston's win

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:06pm

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Garrett Crochet allowed only three hits in six innings, Ceddanne Rafaela hit an RBI single in the seventh inning, and the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Opening Day. The Red Sox got their first opening day shutout since 2015, with Roman Anthony recording three hits for Boston.

Why it matters

The Red Sox’s opening day shutout win over the Reds marks an impressive start to the new season, showcasing the team’s strong pitching and timely hitting. As the Red Sox look to build on their success from last year, this victory sets the tone for what could be an exciting year ahead.

The details

Garrett Crochet, making his third consecutive opening day start, struck out six batters and walked two en route to the victory. The Red Sox got on the board in the seventh inning when Ceddanne Rafaela drove in Marcelo Mayer with an RBI single. Boston added two more runs in the ninth inning on RBI singles by Trevor Story and Jaren Duran.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox starting pitcher who allowed only three hits in six shutout innings.

Ceddanne Rafaela

The Red Sox player who hit an RBI single in the seventh inning to drive in the game’s first run.

Roman Anthony

The Red Sox player who recorded three hits in the game.

Andrew Abbott

The Reds starting pitcher who matched Crochet with six shutout innings and struck out four batters.

Sal Stewart

The Reds rookie first baseman who had three of Cincinnati’s four hits, including a pair of doubles.

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What they’re saying

“Garrett Crochet allowed only three hits in six innings, Ceddanne Rafaela hit an RBI single in the seventh inning and the Boston Red Sox got their first opening day shutout since 2015, defeating the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Thursday.”

— JOE REEDY, AP Sports Writer

What’s next

The Red Sox will send RHP Sonny Gray to the mound on Saturday to face the Reds and RHP Brady Singer.

The takeaway

The Red Sox’s dominant opening day performance, led by Garrett Crochet’s six shutout innings and timely hitting, sets the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead for the team as they look to build on their success from last year.