SEATTLE -- After the Red Sox grabbed a quick 2-0 lead, their 2019 season opener got ugly in a hurry, with the Mariners chasing starter Chris Sale after just three innings and belting five homers in a 12-4 romp.
The start was one of the worst for Sale in his two-plus seasons with the Red Sox. He was tagged for one homer in the second and two more in the third, allowing seven runs on six hits.
Things didn't get any better with the bullpen. Hector Velazquez allowed three runs and Tyler Thornburg gave up two. The 12 runs allowed nearly matched the 2018 season high for the Sox, who gave up 13 runs in one contest last year.
Mookie Betts collected three hits and J.D. Martinez added two while Christian Vazquez and Andrew Benintendi knocked in a run each in a two-run sixth inning long after the game had gotten away.
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- With Christian Vazquez getting the start behind the plate in the opener, Cora said Blake Swihart will get his first start Saturday, catching Eduardo Rodriguez and facing Seattle RHP Mike Leake. Swihart was a much better hitter from the left side last year.
- Dustin Pedroia (knee) and took part in some extended spring training games Thursday, serving as the DH and going 1-for-4 in his at-bats. Steve Pearce (calf) did not play, but is expected to play Friday. Pearce could join the team and be active by the series in Arizona next weekend. The Sox want Pedroia to play in back-to-back games before they make plans to assign him to a minor league affiliate.
- Cora acknowledged that there would be limits to how many pitches the Sox will allow Chris Sale to throw in the opener, but wouldn't divulge a specific number for fear that it would aid the Mariners.
- Sandy Leon, who was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier in the week, decided to accept his assignment to Pawtucket. That allows Leon to retain his $2.475 million salary for 2019. Cora said the Sox are happy that Leon remains in the organization, providing valuable depth at the catcher's spot.