The 2013 World Champions, returning home to begin a new chapter, were given more than their championship rings.
They were given a rude welcome by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The first interleague series for both clubs was largely one-sided, with Milwaukee outscoring its opponent 17-8 en route to a three-game sweep.
Marco Estrada pitched well in Boston's home opener on Friday, allowing one earned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out six. He exited a 2-2 game following a very promising start to the season. A four-run ninth inning was the difference in the game, with Lyle Overbay's two-run double igniting the scoring.
Brandon Kintzler's scoreless eighth inning ultimately earned him the win, while Francisco Rodriguez's flawless ninth inning completed the 6-2 victory. It was not a save situation for 'K-Rod', who has emerged as the club's closer in place of Jim Henderson. The incumbent Henderson was largely inconsistent during spring training, prompting a change at the pivotal role.
The Brewers proceeded to get the final say in Saturday's extra-inning affair. Wily Peralta allowed five runs over five innings, though just two of those were earned. Suspect infield defense allowed for three Red Sox runs in the opening frame.
Despite two errors and various missed opportunities with men on base, the Brewers prevailed. Logan Schafer's 11th-inning double scored Khris Davis, who enjoyed his first career four-hit game. The single tally was enough for Rodriguez, who struck out the side in a flawless bottom half of the 11th. Tyler Thornburg was perfect the previous inning while striking out a batter and earning the victory.
Coming off his first Opening Day victory, Yovani Gallardo was equally impressive in Sunday's series finale. 'Yo' scattered seven hits and kept the Sox scorless over 6 2/3 innings. Zach Duke and Tyler Thornburg went the rest of the way to preserve the 4-0 shutout. Aramis Ramírez continued his hot start to 2014 by singling and driving in his sixth run of the season.
While the series featured home runs from Jonathan Lucroy, Mark Reynolds, and Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee's most controversial name continues his search for his first dinger of 2014. Embattled superstar Ryan Braun was kept relatively quiet in Boston, singling twice in nine at-bats while striking out twice and leaving four men left on base.
Braun was held out of Saturday's lineup as he continues to battle a sore thumb. The lingering injury affects a nerve between the thumb and index finger of Braun's right hand. The slugger has been battling this issue since last season, during which Braun made his first career trip to the Disabled List before ultimately being suspended by Major League Baseball. Though surgery is an option, Braun would prefer to avoid that route.
Despite the sluggish start for Braun, it was an extremely positive weekend for the Brewers. The three-game set marks Milwaukee's first sweep of Boston at Fenway Park since the final series of the 1993 season, during which the Brewers outscored the Sox 24-12.
Portions of April and May will continue to present plenty of challenging opponents for Milwaukee. However, regardless of who they face, the Milwaukee Brewers have sent an early message that they fear no opponent.
Just ask the World Champions.
Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man
