Red Sox's Crochet Shuts Down Reds in Opener

All-Star southpaw dominates in season debut, escapes bases-loaded jam

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet picked up the win in Thursday's season opener against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing no runs on three hits and two walks in six innings while striking out eight batters. The All-Star lefty was in midseason form, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning as he built up his pitch count towards a full workload in his next start scheduled for next week in Houston.

Why it matters

Crochet's strong outing to start the season is an encouraging sign for the Red Sox, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The 26-year-old emerged as an All-Star in 2024 and will be a key part of Boston's rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Crochet, who threw 80 pitches on Thursday, had previously built up to 89 pitches in his final spring training start. The Red Sox will look to gradually increase his workload in the coming weeks, with his next scheduled start coming next week against the Astros in Houston.

  • Crochet picked up the win on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • His next start is scheduled for next week against the Astros.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, who emerged as an All-Star in 2024 and is looking to build on that success in 2026.

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season.

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, who were defeated by the Red Sox in Thursday's season opener.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Crochet will make his next start against the Houston Astros next week, where he will look to continue his strong start to the season.

The takeaway

Garrett Crochet's dominant performance in the Red Sox's season opener is a positive sign for the team, as they look to rebound from a tough 2025 season. The young left-hander's ability to escape a bases-loaded jam and build up his pitch count shows he is ready to take on a larger role in the rotation this year.