Walker Buehler leads Red Sox past White Sox in Patriots' Day win

Walker Buehler made his first Patriots’ Day start for the Red Sox one to remember, leading Boston to a 4-2 victory over the White Sox on a day that’s anything but ordinary in the city. While most players battle early alarms and marathon traffic, Buehler took a different approach: he checked into a hotel across from Fenway Park with his family the night before, ensuring he’d be rested and ready for the rare:1 a.m. first pitch.

The annual Patriots’ Day game is a Boston tradition, coinciding with the Boston Marathon and marked by packed crowds and citywide celebrations. For Buehler, the early start was reminiscent of his minor league days, but the stakes and atmosphere were far grander. He delivered his best outing as a Red Sox, going seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits, and striking out nine—a performance that snapped Boston’s Patriots’ Day losing streak and reaffirmed the importance of the holiday for the team and its fans.

But while Buehler’s preparation paid off, fans noticed the absence of Rob Refsnyder from the lineup, sparking questions about the veteran outfielder’s status. As the Red Sox celebrated a key win, the combination of marathon morning baseball and roster intrigue kept Fenway buzzing.

For newcomers, Patriots’ Day is more than just a game—it’s a citywide celebration of resilience and tradition, with the Red Sox playing a central role in Boston’s unique holiday.