Fans expected a step-back. They received the 6-1 league-leading Seattle Mariners.
After sweeping Oakland in two games in Tokyo, Seattle took three of four against the defending World Champion Red Sox. But no win may be more as important than tonight, as Felix Hernandez earned a win in his season debut in a 6-3 win over the Angels.
After a hit barrage against the Red Sox — including 42 hits and 34 runs — the debate stirred on whether the Mariners could keep their offense on fire, or if the bats would inevitably cool.