Four hours before the Red Sox’ 3-0 Opening Day victory over the Cincinnati Reds, we interviewed Reds manager Terry Francona and asked if this was going to be a “must-win” game.
It was an inside joke from 2016 when I asked that same question before Francona’s Cleveland Indians took on the Chicago Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series.
“You better believe it,” Francona said Thursday, not knowing his Reds were going to fall victim to Garrett Crochet and three shutdown Sox relievers. “Opening Day has always been a big deal, especially here.
“It’s also ‘Overreaction Day.’ If you win, you’re going to the World Series. If you lose, you stink.”
So based on Game 1 of the 2026 Red Sox season, the Sox are headed to the Fall Classic and the Reds stink. Have at it, everybody.
Read Dan Shaughnessy's full column at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
