The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of a playoff chase and are playing what appears to be do-or-die games for the remainder of the season.
That’s why losses to the Houston Astros on Monday night are so devastating.
Boston led by multiple runs twice but the Astros rallied and won on a walk-off homer by Yainer Diaz. The Red Sox’s bullpen issues persist, but Alex Cora praised the rotation’s return to consistency.
Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford have both improved in recent weeks, while Boston’s All-Star right-hander Tanner Houck came up big again on Monday to give his side a chance to win.
Houck pitched six innings for Boston, allowing only two earned runs, before Red Sox relievers did not shut him down. While the loss is upsetting, especially considering the current rankings, Cora feels this trend will help Boston get back on track.
“Not really, to be honest with you,” Cora told reporters during NESN’s postgame coverage. “I believe we’re getting healthier. They are a good team. I thought we threw the ball well. You’ll go through periods like this where you win some and lose some. I believe we’ll be fine based on how we threw the ball from the first to the sixth innings. “I believe that is the most important thing.”
Cora remarked, “We struggled there for a short while, and the bullpen paid the price. Now, our starters are throwing the ball exceptionally well. They are offering us a chance to win. That is what occurred early in the season. I think we’ll keep doing that.
— Duran hit his second leadoff homer of the season. The other was against the Chicago White Sox on June 6.
Yoshida blasted his first career pinch-hit home run in only his 14th MLB appearance for the Red Sox. Yoshida also has the most hits in baseball over the last two weeks, according to StatMuse.
— Houck made his third straight six-inning start with two or less earned runs allowed.
— Lucas Sims has six earned runs allowed since joining the Red Sox. All of those have come against Houston, as referenced by NESN’s Tom Caron.
— Boston falls to 0-4 against Houston in 2024.
— Boston closer Kenley Jansen suffered just his second loss of the season, though his focus remains on bouncing back for the Red Sox.
“That’s a tough game, right?” Jansen told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “That’s a game where you either win or you lose. I make three really good pitches on (Yordan) Alvarez. Unfortunately, that one wasn’t well executed. Give credit to the hitter. … It’s tough. Tip your cap. We gotta move on from this one and fight tomorrow.”
— The Red Sox and Astros will continue their series at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night. The first pitch is planned for 8:10 p.m. ET. You can watch the game, plus one hour of pregame coverage.
