The Boston Red Sox<\/a> took the win over the Cincinnati Reds<\/a> 3\u20130 to take the first game of the season at Great American Ballpark Thursday. The Red Sox notched their third straight Opening Day victory, as Garrett Crochet<\/strong><\/a> earned the win.<\/p>\n Both teams were free swingers early on, as two at-bats in the first inning between both teams went more than two pitches. Despite getting multiple runners on in the first and second innings, the Red Sox grounded into double plays in both innings.<\/p>\n The Red Sox threatened once more in the fifth inning, with runners on first and second with one out. However, Andrew Abbott<\/strong><\/a> rose to the occasion, striking out Trevor Story<\/strong><\/a> and Jarren Duran<\/strong><\/a> to get out unscathed.<\/p>\n The Reds had their best scoring chance in the bottom of the sixth inning, forcing the bases loaded with one out. Crochet, however, put an end to those plans, striking out Eugenio Suarez<\/a><\/strong> and Spencer Steer<\/strong><\/a> to end the frame.<\/p>\n In response, the bottom of the Red Sox lineup made them pay. Marcelo Mayer<\/strong><\/a> started off with a pinch-hit double, and a Carlos Narvaez<\/strong><\/a> sacrifice bunt got him to third. Ceddanne Rafaela<\/a><\/strong> drove a high fastball from Pierce Johnson<\/strong><\/a> to center field to take a 1\u20130 lead.<\/p>\n The Red Sox managed to pour on some run support in the top of the ninth. RBI singles from Trevor Story<\/strong><\/a> and Jarren Duran<\/strong><\/a> gave Boston a 3\u20130 cushion before Aroldis Chapman<\/strong><\/a> came in and shut the door.<\/p>\n Outside of the sixth inning, Crochet looked just as dominant as he did last season. Six innings, three hits, two walks and eight batters fanned on 80 pitches. On top of that, Roman Anthony<\/a><\/strong> went 3-for-4 with a walk.<\/p>\n The Red Sox finally converted with runners on base in the ninth inning, after being 1-for-5 through the first eight frames of play. Although it\u2019s likely Chapman didn\u2019t need them, it\u2019s still nice to not have as much stress.<\/p>\n Willson Contreras<\/strong><\/a> and Caleb Durbin<\/strong><\/a> both struggled mightily throughout the game. A combined 0-for-7 with two walks isn\u2019t exactly what is needed out of the middle of the lineup. \u00a0Especially with Roman Anthony<\/strong><\/a> getting on base four times this contest.<\/p>\n The Red Sox and Reds continue the series on Saturday, as they faceoff at 4:10 pm Eastern. Sonny Gray<\/strong><\/a> and Brady Singer<\/strong><\/a> are the expected pitchers for the Saturday contest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nRed Sox-Reds Game Summary<\/h3>\n
What Went Right for the Bruins<\/h2>\n
Big Time Players, Big Time Outings<\/h3>\n
Insurance Runs<\/h3>\n
What Went Wrong for the Bruins<\/h2>\n
Four and Five Spot Struggles<\/h3>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n
Main Photo:<\/h4>\n