Kike Hernandez made a bit of history for the Boston Red Sox during their Opening Day loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox were shut out, 3-0, but for his part, Hernandez etched his name in the franchise books for being the first lead-off batter to get a base hit in over a decade.

This report comes via Red Sox Notes on Twitter:

That's not exactly an outstanding record for Boston, but Hernandez will be happy to know that he has at least broken this Opening Day jinx. The 29-year-old hit a single off John Means in the team's first at bat on Friday, but in the end, it was all for nothing.

Related NewsArticle continues below
May 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) walks to the mound during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Alex Cora drops intriguing hint on looming Red Sox roster changes
Aug 8, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles centerfielder Jorge Mateo (3) leaps to catch a Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) fifth inning fly ball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Orioles’ Jorge Mateo comes dangerously close to stealing HR vs. Red Sox
Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) scores on a RBI single by shortstop Trevor Story (not pictured) during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park.
Red Sox’ Alex Bregman gets ‘significant’ quad injury update

The Red Sox failed to get into their groove on Opening Day with a determined Orioles side playing some noteworthy defense against Boston. This resulted in the Red Sox failing to open their account, as they were unable to score in what turned out to be their first loss of the new season.

After the game, Hernandez himself conceded that it was a disappointing loss. However, he has the bigger picture in mind:

“Yeah, 161 games left,” Hernández told reporters after the game, via Ricky Doyle of NESN. “Nobody’s gonna win 162. So, just get some rest tonight, come back tomorrow and regroup. We’re gonna be alright.”

Fair point from the new Red Sox recruit. It was a historic debut for him in some sense, but he will be looking to make more of a positive mark for his new team when they return to action on Saturday in a rematch against the Orioles.