Red Sox 3, Astros 1: Bennett, Duran drive series opening victory at Fenway

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 in their series opener at Fenway Park, with Jake Bennett making a strong MLB debut. Jarren Duran contributed significantly with a three-run homer.

Key points

Red Sox won 3-1 against Astros at Fenway Park
Jake Bennett made his MLB debut
Jarren Duran hit a three-run homer
The bullpen secured the victory
Wilyer Abreu struggled with two double plays

Boston Red SoxHouston AstrosJake BennettJarren Duran

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Starting pitcher Jake Bennett #64 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the Houston Astros during his MLB debut in the first inning at Fenway Park on May 01, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images What a weird game to be a part of, right? Your home debut of your interim manager, an MLB debut of a young southpaw, the plane flying Fire Breslow, Sell The Team above Fenway before the game, this had the makings of a mental disaster. Not tonight, apparently. It was left all off the field as the Red Sox snuck in a 3-1 victory over the Astros on Friday night.

Studs

Jake Bennett (5.0 IP, 2 BB, 3 K, 5 H, 1 ER)

What an impressive debut to make in a tough situation for this team. You could tell the moment looked a hairrrr bright at the start but he settled in smoothly the rest of the way aside from the Correa solo shot. Kudos to the kid here.

The Bullpen

No pitcher truly had a “clean” frame but all holds and a save is exactly what you want to see to back up a rookie making his debut. Kelly and Whitlock worked themselves into the most obvious trouble but well done to keep it off the board.