Boston Red Sox fall to the Brewers in home opener

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox played baseball in Fenway Park for the first time since October 30, 2013 today. They hosted the Milwaukee Brewers and the game kicked off with a beautiful ring ceremony and Wily Peralta‘s now infamous dive. The beauty of the pre-game festivities did not carry over into the game as the Red Sox fell to the Brewers 6-2.

The game was tight all the way until the 9th inning when Edward Mujica allowed four earned runs in 2/3 of an inning. Andrew Miller came in to record the final out and stifled any further damage. The Red Sox were unable to string anything together in the bottom of the frame and Francisco Rodriguez collected the save, retiring the side in order.

Starting pitchers Jake Peavy and Marco Estrada both pitched adequately. Peavy’s two-seam fastball was alive, albeit he struggled locating his slider at points which resulted in multiple extra base hits courtesy of the Brew Crew’s potent lineup. He finished the game allowing two earned runs, two walks, six hits, and striking out two in six innings of work. Estrada was very efficient with his curveball and changeup and saw multiple hitters whiff at the off-speed pitches. The right-handed pitcher gave up one earned run, four hits, three walks, and punched out six in five and 2/3 innings of work.

Will Middlebrooks was the offensive MVP for Boston in this contest. He smashed a solo-home run in the 3rd inning over the Green Monster, lined a ball to center field that was caught by All-Star Carlos Gomez, and was intentionally walked in his final plate appearance. After struggling the first two games, he has been on fire the past two and seeks a “Wake and Rake” redemption in 2014.

Boston takes on Milwaukee at 7:10 p.m. eastern time tomorrow for game two of the series. Clay Buchholz will take the mound for the Red Sox squaring off against the Brewers’ number five, Wily Peralta.