Sports Xchange: Porcello, Benintendi Lift Sox Over Pirates

By Gethin Coolbaugh, The Sports Xchange

BOSTON -- As Rick Porcello showed flashes of last year's dominance, Andrew Benintendi provided a glimpse of what might be to come in the future for the Boston Red Sox on Monday. 

Porcello was sharp with five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings and Benintendi clubbed a three-run homer as the Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3 on Opening Day at Fenway Park. 

"His swing is so effortless and smooth, you can't tell if he ever overswings the bat or not," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "But for a guy of his stature, there's such great timing and fluidity to the swing. He creates easy power."

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