The Red Sox had a grand old time in Monday night’s Game 3 at Fenway Park, as the team slugged their way to a 12-3 victory and 2-1 series lead over the Astros in the 2021 American League Championship Series.
And for the Red Sox, the offensive explosion truly kicked off in a familiar fashion: A grand slam. This time off the bat off Kyle Schwarber and bombed out to right field to put the Sox up 6-0 in the bottom of the second inning.
The GRANDEST of Schwarbombs! pic.twitter.com/haiJebg7cS
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 19, 2021
Schwarber’s blast would be one of four hammered into the Boston sky by Red Sox batters by the night’s end, with Christian Arroyo, J.D. Martinez, and Rafael Devers also touching ’em all by the night’s end.
But it was Schwarber who forced the Astros’ Dusty Baker to reach into their bullpen much earlier than expected, as Astros starter Jose Urquidy allowed six runs (five of which were earned), two walks, and recorded just five outs before Baker gave him the hook. This has been the theme of the Houston staff in this showdown, too, with Astro starters combining to throw less than six innings of total work through the first three games of action.
Boston’s mashing night came with some historical significance, too, as the Red Sox became the first team in league history to record three grand slams in a single playoff series, while their 20 home runs through eight postseason games are tied with the 2004 Astros for the most home runs through the first 8 games of the postseason.
ARRO𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐎 pic.twitter.com/hC2X5C8bd8
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 19, 2021
On the mound, the Red Sox got a strong night out of starter Eduardo Rodriguez, who surrendered just three runs and fanned seven through six innings of work, which ended with a point-to-the-wrist taunt of Carlos Correa.
The Red Sox will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over Houston on Tuesday night, with Nick Pivetta is expected to get the start for Boston in that contest.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.