After two months of spring training and a six-game road trip to open the 2026 MLB season, the Red Sox returned to Boston on Friday for the first game of the season at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox had a rough go in their first two series and only won one game, but got back on track in the friendly confines of their home ballpark and defeated the Padres, 5-2. The series against the Padres continues on Saturday (4:10 p.m.) and Sunday (1:35 p.m.).
Here is a selection of images from Globe photographers at Friday’s opener.
Fans cheer as the Red Sox played the Padres.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Carlos Narvaez (left) and Marcelo Mayer celebrate Mayer’s home run in the sixth inning.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Former Red Sox outfielder Tony Armas (far left) walks out with his teammates from the 1986 team as they’re honored during the Opening Day ceremony.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Jameson Rivenburgh, 10, waves for a ball from the outfield wall.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth inning and earned a save.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Shortstop Trevor Story throws to first base for an out in the fifth inning.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Members of the 1986 Boston Red Sox walk onto the field for the Opening Day ceremony.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Hall of Famer Wade Boggs kisses the Geen Monster before being introduced with the other members of the AL champion 1986 Red Sox.Stan Grossfeld/ Globe Staff
Marcelo Mayer home run eludes San Diego’s Tatis Jr.Stan Grossfeld/ Globe StaffFans walk up a ramp toward their seats.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Former Red Sox pitcher Bruce Hurst throws out the first pitch.Stan Grossfeld/ Globe StaffFormer Red Sox pitcher Tony Armas walks on the field for the Opening Day ceremony.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Dede Forgione unloads balloons from a truck.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
Children watch as balloon art is made along the concourse.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Fans hold a giant American flag during the Opening Day ceremony.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Julian Peña, 6, admires his face paint in a mirror before the Opening Day game.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Red Sox manager Alex Cora signs autographs for young fans before the game.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Twins Tyler and Taylor Gonick, 11, of New Jersey play catch with their father before Opening Day at Fenway Park.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
Justin Pothier waits for the first pitch inside the Green Monster.Stan Grossfeld/ Globe StaffThe Fenway Park field crew prepare the field before the home opener.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Pitcher Garrett Crochet walks onto the field before the opener at Fenway Park.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Fans stand for the national anthem.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
The Red Sox won the game.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Mark Notaro, 3, eats a hot dog along Lansdowne Street.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Sly Egidio of East Boston hollers “programs for sale” outside of Fenway Park. Sly’s first opening day was 1992 as an employee of the magazine, and he now owns the company. Sly said, “Anytime they get a ring, that’s the best opening day.”Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
A large sausage shaped character promoting the movie “Balls Up” takes photos with fans outside of Fenway Park.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
“Big League Brian,” a stilt walker, entertains fans along Lansdowne Street.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
Travis Gonick, 44, and his sons, TJ, 14; Tyler, 11; and Taylor, 11, all of New Jersey, pose for a portrait. “We’re here every year, since they were kids,” Travis said. Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
Fenway Station on the way to Fenway Park.Finn Gomez for the Boston Globe
Stan Grossfeld can be reached at stanley.grossfeld@globe.com. Finn Gomez can be reached at finn.gomez@globe.com.