The Boston Red Sox have been off to a hot start. Following a season that resulted in a total overhaul of the coaching staff, Red Sox nation didn’t know what they were in for heading into a season with Alex Cora as the new bench boss. The Red Sox had experienced back-to-back postseason disappointments, so the Fenway Faithful was reluctant to buy into the hype this time, especially with much of the same roster in place. However, after a fantastic start to the season, the Red Sox’s return to Boston was met with optimism.
The Red Sox completed a successful home stand with a 3-1 win on Sunday, April 15 over the Baltimore Orioles. While the finale of the four-game series, the traditional Patriots’ Day Red Sox game played in the shadow of the Boston Marathon, was postponed, the Red Sox still had the series won by taking all three games. 
The series opened with a familiar opponent, the Tampa Bay Rays, who the Red Sox had played in Tampa to open the season. Down in Tampa, the Red Sox suffered their first loss of the season on opening day, squandering a four-run lead in the eighth inning. However, Boston took the following three games, and a two-game set against the Miami Marlins before heading back to Boston. 
The Red Sox continued their dominant stretch. The strength of the Red Sox in the first five games of the season had been the pitching staff, but upon the return to Fenway Park, the offense woke up. Boston won all three games against Tampa Bay, scoring a total of 21 runs in three games. Boston also pulled off an incredible comeback in the eighth inning, returning the favor to Tampa Bay for Opening Day. 
However, the fireworks really started in the series against the New York Yankees. In the first game, the Red Sox scored a season-high 14 runs in a 14-1 thrashing of the Yankees. The following game was a 10-7 win for the Yankees, but the real story in that game had nothing to do with the scoreboard. A questionable slide into second base by Yankees rookie Tyler Austin bothered Red Sox shortstop Brock Holt. The ensuing altercation was short lived, but tempers flared once again when Boston pitcher Joe Kelly decided to drill Austin in the armpit at his next at bat. Austin quickly charged the mound and brawled with Kelly, causing both dugouts and bullpens to clear. The situation resulted in a slew of suspensions and fines, but the aftermath of this will be felt in far more important places than in the league office, as the Red Sox and Yankees will be vying for first place throughout the season. The Red Sox won the rubber match of the series by a score of 6-3, winning the first series of the season.
After New York, the aforementioned Orioles came to town, and presented little challenge to a red hot Red Sox team. The Red Sox took the first game on Friday, April 13 by a score of 7-3. The Red Sox ultimately outscored the Orioles 20-7 in the three games. 
As Boston’s pitching and offense continue to hit their stride, a trip to Fenway is a must to watch this team play. The Red Sox look like a team that can play deep into October, one that could put all the doubts of Red Sox Nation to bed.
Any student can get a ticket to a Red Sox game for just $9, less than the price of a movie ticket. Check out Student 9’s on the Red Sox website to learn when tickets are available.