The Boston Red Sox saw several familiar faces during their weekend road series against the San Diego Padres, including shortstop Xander Bogaerts, pitcher Nick Pivetta and TV broadcaster Don Orsillo.
In Friday’s series opener, the Red Sox shelled Pivetta in his first start against them since leaving in free agency last winter. Boston pounded him for five runs in six innings en route to a 10-2 win.
The Padres got their revenge over the weekend, however, winning Saturday and Sunday’s games to take the series. Bogaerts contributed to both San Diego victories, going 3-for-8 with a home run, three RBI, three runs and two stolen bases to continue his recent hot streak.
Saturday’s game-tying homer off Lucas Giolito was Bogaerts’ first against his former team, and Orsillo was on the call. He spoke about it after the game with Bri Savant of KUSI Sports.
“I have a lot of memories, and also with Don,” Bogaerts said. “My first couple years in the big leagues, Don was there.”
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Orsillo was the Red Sox’s TV play-by-play announcer for NESN during Bogaerts’ first three seasons with the team. Orsillo joined the Padres in 2016, seven years before Bogaerts started playing for them.
Much of Boston’s roster has turned over since Bogaerts’ final season there in 2022. However, he’s still close with several members of the organization after spending his first 10 Major League seasons there.
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“It’s still the Red Sox…It’s always a place that’s close to your heart,” Bogaerts said. “I had a lot of great times, great people over there, great friendships, so it is nice.”
Bogaerts won two World Series and made four All-Star teams during his time in Boston, cementing himself as one of the greatest shortstops in franchise history. Now, he’s focused on building a similar legacy with the Padres and trying to help them win their first championship.
Featured image via Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports Images
