Boston Red Sox really need a win as they face San Diego Padres in Opening Day at Fenway Park
It's Opening Day at Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox really need a win.
They've lost five in a row since winning their season opener in Cincinnati.
Sonny Gray gets the start for the Red Sox Friday afternoon against Michael King and the San Diego Padres. King grew up in Rhode Island and pitched for Boston College.
The game starts at 2:10 p.m. but gates will open two hours earlier for fans. The pregame ceremony will honor the team that won the American League pennant 40 years ago in 1986. Hall of Famers Wade Boggs and Jim Rice are just some of the players expected to be at Fenway Friday.
For more than 20 years, Mike Columbare of Pembroke, Massachusetts has been one of the first Red Sox fans in line waiting for an Opening Day ticket. He was back at 1 a.m. Friday.
"It's like a family gathering for Christmas. You're there for dinner. Everyone is joyous. It's a new beginning. It's hope. It's hot dogs. It's great!" he told WBZ-TV.
The hot dogs at Fenway got an upgrade for this season. You can now get lobster with them as part of a new menu at concession stands.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. for pre-game ceremonies.
Last season, the Red Sox were 48-33 in games at Fenway Park on their way to a 89-73 record and their first playoff berth in four years. They lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series. The Yankees return to Fenway on Tuesday, April 21.
