In a thrilling battle at Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox edged out the St. Louis Cardinals with a nail-biting 5-4 victory on April 7, 2025. The game showcased a dramatic comeback by the Red Sox, who recovered from a late deficit to secure the win, thanks in large part to clutch performances from Wilyer Abreu and Rafael Devers.
Wilyer Abreu, who had been a late-game substitute due to "heavy legs," emerged as the hero of the night. He delivered a decisive hit in the bottom of the tenth inning, sending a wall-ball double to the outfield that clinched the game for the Red Sox. Abreu's performance has been nothing short of stellar this season, boasting a remarkable .522 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs in just 23 at-bats.
“I wasn’t trying to do too much,” Abreu said after the game. “I was trying to focus on getting a good pitch so I could bring the run in and try to win the game.” His teammates celebrated his clutch hit, mobbing him in the dugout as the Fenway crowd erupted in cheers.
The game began with Rafael Devers finally breaking out of his early-season slump. After starting the season with an alarming 0-for-21 run, Devers hit his first home run of 2025 during the fifth inning, an opposite-field shot that sailed into the Green Monster seats. This homer not only marked a personal milestone for Devers but also put the Red Sox ahead 2-1 at that moment.
Devers smashed a full-count fastball from Cardinals starter Andre Pallante, achieving an impressive exit velocity of 107.4 mph and a projected distance of 393 feet, according to Statcast. His home run was a much-needed boost for a player who had struggled significantly in the opening games of the season. “We enjoyed it a lot,” Abreu commented on Devers' homer. “We know that he started the year slow, but we know that he's going to have a monster year, as he always does.”
Despite Devers' early success, the Cardinals fought back with determination. They took the lead in the eighth inning, scoring two runs to go ahead 4-2. However, the Red Sox refused to back down. In a dramatic bottom of the ninth, they rallied against Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Devers contributed to the comeback by drawing a bases-loaded walk that tied the game, forcing it into extra innings.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora expressed satisfaction with his team's resilience. “We’re getting there,” Cora said. “The at-bats are really good. They’ve been really good for a while now. He hasn’t been swinging and missing, he’s not chasing, and he’s staying in the zone. Little by little, the swing is back to normal. That was impressive.”
Devers’ home run was his career homer No. 201 and snapped a drought of 110 plate appearances without a long ball, dating back to August 25, 2024. His performance on April 6 extended his hitting streak to four games, a positive sign for the Red Sox as they look to build momentum early in the season.
The Red Sox's comeback victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure. As they prepare to face the Cardinals again later in the evening, the team hopes to carry this momentum forward. The ongoing series against the Cardinals is crucial for the Red Sox, as they seek to solidify their position in the league and ensure a successful campaign.
Overall, the game on April 7 not only showcased individual brilliance from players like Devers and Abreu but also highlighted the collective effort of the Red Sox as they navigated a challenging matchup against a formidable opponent. The excitement at Fenway Park was palpable, with fans eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
With the Red Sox now poised for another clash against the Cardinals, all eyes will be on Devers to see if he can maintain his newfound form and continue to contribute significantly to the team's success. The outcome of the next game will be pivotal as the Red Sox aim to establish themselves as serious contenders in the league.
