Despite their new pitching ace, David Price, on the mound for the team’s 105th opening game, the Red Sox lost to the undefeated Baltimore Orioles 9-7. But for fans, opening day is all about optimism.
The highly touted pitcher gave up five runs and stayed in the game just five innings. While the outcome of the game might not be what some fans hoped, Bob Bliss of Worcester, Massachusetts was feeling hopeful about the season.
“The hitting looks much better, the bullpen looks better,” said Bliss Monday in an interview with Boston’s WBUR. “The reliance on kids is a great thing. The fact that they’re going with merit rather than the size of the wallet is a great thing.”
Bliss was referring to the team’s decision to start Travis Shaw at third base instead of highly-paid star Pablo Sandoval who struggled in Spring Training.
Another fan, Dave Lyonette of Ft. Myers, Florida said he went to Fenway on Monday to catch slugger David Ortiz in his last opening day in Boston.
“He’s a wonderful guy, just so friendly,” said Lyonette. “You may ultimately be able to replace his offense, but he’s such a big person, his personality, so magnanimous and kind, and what a clutch ballplayer.”