HOUSTON – Jarren Duran delivered a perfect performance at the plate on Tuesday night, going 4 for 4 and clinching the game with a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning to lift the Boston Red Sox over the Houston Astros with a tight 6-5 victory.
The pivotal moment came with the game knotted at 5-5, when Duran connected on a fastball from Astros pitcher Caleb Ort (1-1), sending the ball sailing over the left-center wall. The hit marked Duran’s season high and was complemented by a walk and three runs scored throughout the game.
In the opening inning, Triston Casas immediately put Boston in a favorable position, driving a two-run homer and contributing a total of three RBIs. Casas, recently back from a left rib strain that sidelined him for 98 games, has been making noticeable contributions, going 7 for 20 since his return.
The Astros responded quickly, however, with Jon Singleton’s two-run homer tying the game in the first inning. Yainer Diaz continued his powerful stretch by homering for the third consecutive game, evening things up again at 5-5 in the fifth inning.
Despite these efforts, the AL West leaders struggled with opportunities, failing to score in eight instances with runners in scoring position, leading to only their second loss in the last 13 games.
Red Sox’s starting pitcher Nick Pivetta gave up five runs and six hits over five innings. Relief came from Zack Kelly (5-2), who pitched a clean seventh inning to eventually earn the win, while Kenley Jansen secured his 24th save with a scoreless ninth.
Houston’s pitching did not fare as well. Starter Ronel Blanco was pulled after giving up five runs and six hits in just 3 2/3 innings.
The game was also marked by exceptional defensive plays, including Jake Meyers’ impressive catch at the center-field wall to deny Tyler O’Neill a home run.
Injury updates were also provided during the game. Red Sox right-hander Justin Slaten is set to begin a rehabilitation stint following elbow inflammation, while the Astros anticipate the return of Justin Verlander (3-2, 3.95 ERA) from the injured list to make his first start since early June.
As the series concludes tomorrow, Houston will look to regain its footing, while Boston hopes to build on this crucial win.
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Source: New York Post
