BOSTON – The Houston Astros teed off on the Red Sox bullpen Friday night. On Saturday, they didn’t wait around to get to Boston’s pitching staff.
The Astros picked up a 5-3 win over the Sox at Fenway Park, hitting Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez hard and chasing him from the game in the fourth inning. The Red Sox bullpen held the Astros scoreless for the rest of the night and Boston tried to mount a comeback in the ninth, but left the tying run on base when J.D. Martinez grounded into a game-ending double play.
The Astros tagged Rodriguez for five runs over 3 1/3 innings. Rodriguez gave up six hits, walked three, and gave up home runs to Alex Bregman and Martin Maldonado.
Xander Bogaerts homered, matching his career-high set in 2016 at 21. The shortstop also drove in a run with a single as part of a 3-for-4 game.
The Sox struggled with runners in scoring position, going 3-for-13 while leaving nine men on. Boston knocked 10 hits in the losing effort.
The Red Sox will send Rick Porcello to the mound Sunday night looking to avoid a series sweep. The right-hander is 16-7 with a 4.20 ERA. Houston will counter with lefty Dallas Keuchel (11-10, 3.46 ERA).