Nava powers Sox to 3-1 home-opener win

Daniel Nava's 3-run blast in the bottom of the 7th inning powered the Red Sox to a 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles Monday afternoon at Fenway Park. Clay Buchholz (pictured) and Orioles starter Wei Yin Chen had been locked up in a classic pitcher's duel through the first 6.5 innings. Base runners were at a premium; the Red Sox didn't even get a hit until Shane Victorino singled in the bottom of the 4th inning.

Dustin Pedroia opened the Red Sox portion of the 7th inning with a walk, then moved to 3rd on a booming double to centerfield by Mike Napoli. Following a Will Middlebrooks strike out, Nava launched one over the Monster in left.

Buchholz threw 113 pitches in his 7 innings of work allowing just 3 hits. He struck out 8 and walked 4; only 2 Orioles runners got as far as 2nd base. He finished the day with a 0.64 earned run average.

Andrew Bailey pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning, striking out 2; Joel Hanrahan came on in the 9th for his 3rd save in as many tries. He gave up a solo home run to Adam Jones.

NOTES - Nava was in the lineup in left field in place of Jackie Bradley Jr. John Lackey (strained right bicep) may only miss one start. For the Red Sox it was their 9th straight home-opening win. Joel Hanrahan made his Fenway debut in the 9th inning.

Follow Jim Monaghan on twitter - @Monaghan21