Mayer, Contreras homer as Red Sox beat Padres 5-2 in home opener

Boston snaps 5-game losing streak with victory at Fenway Park

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03pm

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An abstract, energetic painting with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and power of baseball players hitting home runs.The Red Sox's powerful home run hitters provide a jolt of energy and excitement at Fenway Park.Boston Today

Marcelo Mayer and Willson Contreras both hit home runs as part of a three-run sixth inning, helping the Boston Red Sox snap a five-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the San Diego Padres in their home opener at Fenway Park on Friday.

Why it matters

The Red Sox were struggling to start the season, so this win at home in their home opener was an important morale boost and a chance to get their season back on track in front of their loyal fans at Fenway.

The details

Caleb Durbin also had an RBI single in the fourth inning to end an 0-for-19 start to the season. Boston's Sonny Gray picked up the win, pitching six innings and allowing two runs off four hits. Aroldis Chapman got the save in the ninth. Contreras' 423-foot blast off Padres' starter Michael King broke a 2-2 tie, and Mayer later added an insurance run with a homer in the sixth.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Boston.
  • Durbin's RBI single ended an overall hitless streak dating back to September 22, 2025.

The players

Marcelo Mayer

A Red Sox player who hit a home run in the sixth inning to help the team win.

Willson Contreras

A Red Sox player who hit a 423-foot home run in the sixth inning to give the team the lead.

Caleb Durbin

A Red Sox player who ended an 0-for-19 start to the season with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Sonny Gray

The Red Sox pitcher who picked up the win, pitching six innings and allowing two runs.

Aroldis Chapman

The Red Sox pitcher who got the save in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This win was an important bounce-back for the Red Sox after a tough start to the season, and it gave their fans something to cheer about in the home opener at the iconic Fenway Park.