OF Tyler O'Neill breaks MLB record in Red Sox debut

OF Tyler O’Neill breaks MLB record in Red Sox debut

The Boston Red Sox took the field late Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners for their first game of the 2024 season – a 6-4 win for Alex Cora’s team.

Despite Cora leading the Red Sox for six of the last seven seasons (missed 2020 due to suspension), this is a new feeling for him, as his team had never won the first game of the season prior to Thursday.

An opening day win wasn’t the only remarkable feat accomplished in the contest, as outfielder Tyler O’Neill, in his first game with Boston, extended his streak of Opening Day home runs to five straight – an MLB record.

O’Neill entered the day tied with Todd Hundley and a pair of Hall of Famers in Gary Carter and Yogi Berra at four straight.

O’Neill’s solo shot, Rafael Devers’ two-run home run and RBIs from Triston Casas, Ceddanne Rafaela and Connor Wong gave Boston the lead while Brayan Bello delivered five innings of two-run ball and striking out two.

Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen, who battled injuries throughout the spring, locked it down to earn his first save of the season.

Boston and Seattle will meet again Friday night at T-Mobile Park for a 9:40 p.m. duel to feature Nick Pivetta and George Kirby as the starting pitchers.