Reds Edge Red Sox in 11-Inning Thriller

Cincinnati rallies late to win season-opening series against Boston

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:07am

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The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-5 in 11 innings on Saturday, with Dane Myers' walk-off single scoring the automatic runner in the bottom of the 11th. The game featured several lead changes, including a game-tying home run by Boston's Wilyer Abreu in the 9th to force extra innings.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between two MLB powerhouses sets the tone for the rest of the year, with both teams looking to get off to a strong start and gain an advantage in the competitive American League and National League playoff races.

The details

The Reds jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, but the Red Sox rallied to tie the game at 5-5 in the 9th inning. The game went to extra innings, where Cincinnati's Dane Myers delivered the game-winning hit in the 11th. Both teams used their full complement of challenges, with several calls overturned by the Automated Ball-Strike system.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The series finale between the two teams is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Dane Myers

Cincinnati Reds outfielder who hit the game-winning single in the 11th inning.

Wilyer Abreu

Boston Red Sox outfielder who hit the game-tying home run in the 9th inning to force extra innings.

Sonny Gray

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher making his debut with the team, allowing 4 runs in 4 innings.

Brady Singer

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher, allowing 3 runs in 4 innings in his season debut.

Alex Cora

Boston Red Sox manager who was ejected in the 8th inning for arguing a called strike.

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What they’re saying

“That was a tough one to lose, but we showed a lot of fight to come back and tie it up. Just couldn't get that last run across.”

— Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox Outfielder

“Dane's been clutch for us all spring, so I'm not surprised he came through again today. This is a big win to take the series opener against a tough Red Sox team.”

— David Bell, Cincinnati Reds Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox and Reds will wrap up their season-opening series on Sunday, with Boston's Connelly Early facing Cincinnati's Rhett Lowder.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth thriller between two of baseball's premier franchises showcased the high level of talent and competitiveness in the early stages of the 2026 season. Both teams will look to build on this exciting start as they aim to contend for playoff spots in their respective leagues.