BOSTON -- The elusive big hit finally appeared for the Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park, and it was a game-breaking grand slam from Dustin Pedroia.With one swing of the bat, Pedroia belted career homer No. 100, his first long ball of 2014 and the second grand slam of his career.The blast led the Red Sox to a 7-1 victory over the Athletics in the opener of a three-game series at Fenway Park.For weeks, Boston had been plagued by its inability to cash in on opportunities. Pedroia came through in dramatic fashion on this occasion, pushing a one-run lead to five with one swing. 
The Athletics showed brief hope of getting back in the game in the eighth, putting two on with one out against Edward Mujica.But Jackie Bradley Jr. thwarted the rally with a tremendous catch against the wall in center to rob Yoenis Cespedes of extra bases. The play turned into even more than that when Josh Donaldson got too far off first and was doubled off to end the inning.Clay Buchholz produced a strong performance for the Red Sox, giving up three hits and a run over 6 1/3 innings. The righty walked three and struck out five.Finally playing in some nice weather, the Red Sox put together an early rally in the second. Grady Sizemore started it by lofting a double off the Green Monster. A.J. Pierzynski continued his recent surge with an RBI single for the game's first run.And with two outs, Bradley unloaded for a double to the gap in left-center, and Pierzynski came roaring all the way around from first.The Athletics rallied in the third. John Jaso led off with a triple to center that Bradley couldn't get as he crashed into the wall. Jaso wound up scoring on a wild pitch and it was a 2-1 game.It stayed that way until the sixth. Xander Bogaerts started Boston's rally with a single up the middle against reliever Dan Otero. Pierzynski followed with a single to left. Bradley drew a walk to load the bases.Pedroia did the rest, walloping his first slam since Aug. 27, 2008.Ian Browne / MLB.com
The Athletics showed brief hope of getting back in the game in the eighth, putting two on with one out against Edward Mujica.But Jackie Bradley Jr. thwarted the rally with a tremendous catch against the wall in center to rob Yoenis Cespedes of extra bases. The play turned into even more than that when Josh Donaldson got too far off first and was doubled off to end the inning.Clay Buchholz produced a strong performance for the Red Sox, giving up three hits and a run over 6 1/3 innings. The righty walked three and struck out five.Finally playing in some nice weather, the Red Sox put together an early rally in the second. Grady Sizemore started it by lofting a double off the Green Monster. A.J. Pierzynski continued his recent surge with an RBI single for the game's first run.And with two outs, Bradley unloaded for a double to the gap in left-center, and Pierzynski came roaring all the way around from first.The Athletics rallied in the third. John Jaso led off with a triple to center that Bradley couldn't get as he crashed into the wall. Jaso wound up scoring on a wild pitch and it was a 2-1 game.It stayed that way until the sixth. Xander Bogaerts started Boston's rally with a single up the middle against reliever Dan Otero. Pierzynski followed with a single to left. Bradley drew a walk to load the bases.Pedroia did the rest, walloping his first slam since Aug. 27, 2008.Ian Browne / MLB.com
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
