Red Sox Look to Bounce Back on Patriots' Day vs. Tigers

Boston hopes early start time sparks offense in series finale against Detroit

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:49am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic energy and motion of a baseball game, with players' forms dissolving into expressive brushstrokes.The annual Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park promises an electric atmosphere as the Red Sox look to ignite their offense against the surging Tigers.Boston Today

The Boston Red Sox will look to avoid a series loss against the Detroit Tigers when the teams meet in the annual Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park on Monday morning. Boston has struggled offensively of late, scoring two or fewer runs in nine of 21 games this season. The Red Sox will start right-hander Sonny Gray, who is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings against the Tigers. Detroit has won eight of its last nine games overall and will counter with right-hander Jack Flaherty, who is still seeking his first win of the season despite solid performances in his last two starts.

Why it matters

The Patriots' Day game is a long-standing tradition in Boston, and the early 11:10 a.m. start time often provides a boost for the home team. The Red Sox will be looking to get their offense going and avoid a series loss against an opponent they are expected to compete with in the American League East.

The details

The Red Sox lost 6-2 on Sunday, with starter Garrett Crochet allowing five runs in five innings. Boston has scored two or fewer runs in three straight games and nine times overall this season. Manager Alex Cora is hoping the early start time can help wake up the Red Sox bats against Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, who is still seeking his first win despite solid outings in his last two starts.

  • The Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park is scheduled for an 11:10 a.m. first pitch on Monday, April 20, 2026.
  • The Red Sox are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox starting pitcher who allowed five runs in five innings in Sunday's loss.

Sonny Gray

The Red Sox right-hander scheduled to start the Patriots' Day game, who has a 5-2 record and 2.41 ERA in 11 career outings against the Tigers.

Jack Flaherty

The Tigers right-hander scheduled to start the Patriots' Day game, who is still seeking his first win of the season despite solid recent performances.

Kerry Carpenter

The Tigers outfielder who hit a home run in Saturday's win and had a pinch hit on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“'Some positive strides, but in that (four-run fifth) inning, it just didn't work out. (Detroit starter Framber Valdez) had seven strikeouts. So, we didn't do much (offensively).'”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“'I think we're going to be fine on the road, and this proves it. We've got a good team and are confident in any ballpark we're in.'”

— Kerry Carpenter, Tigers Outfielder

“'For 'Tork,' connecting with one might be enough for him. It could click him right into being on time and hitting all pitches.'”

— A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to bounce back in the Patriots' Day game and avoid a series loss against the Tigers. If Boston's offense can get going early, it could provide a much-needed boost for the team as it looks to turn around its slow start to the season.

The takeaway

The annual Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park is a beloved tradition in Boston, and the Red Sox will be hoping the early start time can spark their struggling offense against the surging Tigers. A win would be a much-needed confidence boost for a Red Sox team that has underperformed so far in 2026.