HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Astros suffered a decisive 14-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox tonight at Daikin Park, as the Red Sox offense exploded for 14 runs on 13 hits. The loss, coupled with a Seattle Mariners victory, drops the Astros into a first-place tie in the AL West.
The Red Sox were led by former Astro Alex Bregman, who hit a two-run home run against his former team for the second straight night. Catcher Carlos Narváez also powered the offense with a three-run shot. The Red Sox turned a close game into a rout in the sixth inning, scoring five runs with two outs to take a 7-0 lead. They would add seven more runs over the final three innings.
Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti struggled with his command in his second start since returning from a broken thumb, walking a career-high five batters in five innings. He allowed two runs on just one hit but was saddled with the loss, his third of the season.
The Astros’ bullpen endured a long night, with the team using a total of five pitchers. Relievers Austin Okert, Shawn Dubin, and Colton Gordon each saw action before position player Chas McCormick took the mound for the final inning. McCormick, who has seen limited action on the mound in his career, gave up two runs in his one inning of work.
The Astros’ offense was stifled by Red Sox starter Dustin May, who was dominant in his second start since being acquired in a trade. May scattered five singles over six scoreless innings, striking out eight. The Astros’ lone run came in the ninth inning on a groundout by Ramón Urías.
In a strange twist of fate, a live bat was caught on camera flying around in the fourth inning, with some fans noting that “Batman” showed up to Superman Night at the ballpark.
The loss comes on the same day the Astros announced that All-Star closer Josh Hader was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain. The Astros are now tied with the Mariners atop the AL West with a 67-54 record. The Texas Rangers currently sit in third place with a 61-59 record, 6.5 games back, followed by the Los Angeles Angels (57-62) and the Oakland Athletics (53-68).
The Astros will look to bounce back and salvage a win in the final game of the series against the Red Sox tomorrow night. Right-hander Hunter Brown is scheduled to start for Houston against Boston’s Walker Buehler.
