The Boston Red Sox entered Sunday looking to end a bad early-season streak, with offensive struggles and losses piling up during the opening stretch of the campaign.
It looked at times they would do that against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park, including a four-run third inning and a late rally to tie the game on Sunday...
...only for those flashes to ultimately not be enough.
With another loss and Boston falling 8–6 to cap the weekend, the Red Sox moved down to a 2-7 record, the worst mark in Major League Baseball and the only one without a three in the win column entering Monday.
© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Following the game, Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony did not hold back when addressing the team’s performance.
“It’s just a tough stretch,” Anthony said. “We need to find a way to bring more energy and just be better. This is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable to the fans. It’s unacceptable to the standard that we set for ourselves.”
Anthony also made it clear that responsibility falls across the roster.
“We simply just need to be better,” Anthony said. “I need to be better. Everyone in this room understands that they need to be better.”
Boston’s struggles have come despite offseason additions expected to strengthen the lineup, including handing a $130 million deal to Ranger Suarez in free agency, as well as completing multiple trades during the winter.
While it's still early in the season, the Red Sox aren't going to have a break, judging by their upcoming schedule.
The Milwaukee Brewers arrive for a three-game series beginning Monday while tied for the MLB's best record at 7-2, and the St. Louis Cardinals are looming right after, having a 5-4 record trhough Sunday.
