Apr 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
WATCH: Masataka Yoshida belts first MLB homer originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Masataka Yoshida is on the board.
The Boston Red Sox' prized offseason addition collected his first big-league homer Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the bottom of the first inning, Yoshida belted an opposite-field bomb over the Green Monster to tie the game at three runs apiece.
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Rafael Devers got the Red Sox rally started with a solo homer to straightaway center field. Triston Casas put Boston ahead later in the inning with a two-run shot down the right-field line.
Yoshida, a former star of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, signed a five-year, $ 90 million deal with the Red Sox during the offseason. Known for his advanced plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills, the 29-year-old also possesses some pop. He put it on display during the 2023 World Baseball Classic when he set a tournament record with 13 RBI to help Japan win the championship.
