Wilyer Abreu Opens Up About Special Meaning Behind Game-Changing Homers

Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, brings the best out of Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu.

It was the site of his first two-home run game in the majors last season. And it was the setting for his second Thursday in Boston’s 5-2 season-opening win over the Texas Rangers.

Abreu played the hero for the Red Sox as he clobbered two home runs, including breaking a 2-2 tie in the top of the ninth with a three-run shot to right-center field. Abreu finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs and a walk.

“Very special moment for me, and even better when you can start the season with a win like this,” Abreu told reporters per MassLive’s Sean McAdam.

It was an emotional trot around the bases at the Rangers home ballpark for Abreu on Aug. 4 of last year. He found out a day before that game that his grandmother died in his native Venezuela.

There was a different meaning behind Abreu’s blasts Thursday, but the significance remained. Abreu dedicated the homers to his twin sons, who were born earlier this month.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect that, but when I hit the second one, I figured it was one for each,” Abreu said.

It was unknown whether Abreu would even be ready for Opening Day. He missed a good chunk of spring training as he fought a gastrointestinal virus.

He lost body mass to become a slimmed down version of himself. But in the process, Abreu gained some dad strength, and he certainly put that on display in the first game of the season.

“Although I didn’t have much playing time in the big league games, I was able to get a lot of at-bats in the minor league games,” Abreu said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to take all the at-bats that I could. That put me in good position to be ready for Opening Day.”