ASTROS FALL TO RED SOX
Red Sox even the series defeating the Astros, 6-5
Aug 20, 2024, 10:28 pm
Red Sox defeat the Astros, 6-5. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
Jarren Duran went 4 for 4, capped by a tiebreaking homer with two outs in the eighth inning that sent the Boston Red Sox to a 6-5 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.
The game was tied at 5 when Duran drove a fastball from Caleb Ort (1-1) over the wall in left-center, matching his season high for hits. He also walked once and scored three times.
Triston Casas, who had two hits and three RBIs, put Boston up 3-0 in the first inning with a two-run homer. Casas is 7 for 20 since coming off the injured list Friday after missing 98 games with a left rib strain.
Jon Singleton hit a two-run homer to tie it in the bottom half and Yainer Diaz homered for a third straight game with his shot to left-center that tied it at 5 in the fifth.
But the AL West-leading Astros went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position as they lost for just the second time in 13 games.
Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta permitted six hits and five runs in five innings. Zack Kelly (5-2) pitched a perfect seventh for the win and Kenley Jansen threw a scoreless ninth for his 24th save.
Houston’s Ronel Blanco also allowed six hits and five runs but lasted just 3 2/3 innings.
Duran led off with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch. Wilyer Abreu doubled to make it 1-0, and Casas followed with his homer to right field.
Jose Altuve singled in the bottom of the inning and stole second and third. Yordan Alvarez walked before Altuve scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeremy Peña with one out.
Singleton then smacked his home run to right field to tie it at 3.
Jake Meyers walked to start the Houston second and moved to third on a double by Shay Whitcomb. Chas McCormick’s sacrifice fly put the Astros on top 4-3.
David Hamilton walked to open the fourth and stole second before moving to third on a flyout. Duran’s RBI single tied it before a two-out single by Casas gave Boston a 5-4 lead.
Meyers robbed Tyler O’Neill of a home run with a leaping catch at the center-field wall in the fifth.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: RHP Justin Slaten (elbow inflammation) will begin a rehabilitation assignment Friday at Triple-A Worcester or Double-A Portland. … Boston released 1B Dominic Smith after he was designated for assignment Friday when Casas came off the injured list.
UP NEXT
Houston RHP Justin Verlander (3-2, 3.95 ERA) comes off the injured list for his first start since June 9 in the series finale Wednesday. RHP Cooper Criswell (5-4, 4.56) will start for Boston.
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The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills both enter Week 5 with identical records, looking to continue their strong early-season performances. The Texans, led by breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud, come off a thrilling 24-20 win over Jacksonville, while the Bills are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 35-10 loss to Baltimore.
Bet MGM NFL Odds: Bills favored by 1
Against the Spread: Buffalo 2-2, Houston 0-3-1
Series Record: Texans lead 6-5
Last Meeting: Bills defeated Texans 40-0 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Key matchups and players to watch
Texans WR Nico Collins:
Collins has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, leading the league with 489 receiving yards. Coming off a career-best performance with 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, Collins will be a key target for Stroud against Buffalo’s strong secondary.
Bills DE A.J. Epenesa:
With Von Miller suspended, Epenesa will be expected to step up as Buffalo’s primary pass rusher. Epenesa has one sack through four starts and needs to take on a larger role with the absence of Miller, who leads the NFL's active players in sacks.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs vs. Former Team:
Diggs, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, will face his former team for the first time. He has been productive for Houston, logging 233 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season, as well as his first career rushing touchdown last week.
Key injuries
The Bills face multiple injury concerns, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp, all of whom are questionable. Buffalo's leading receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out. The Texans could see the return of WR Tank Dell after he missed last week, though RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play. LT Laremy Tunsil is questionable, which could impact their offensive game plan.
Update: Aaron Wilson has the latest on which Texans players are practicing on Friday.
#Texans Joe Mixon remains out of practice and not expected to play Sunday against #Bills Dameon Pierce returns, Tytus Howard sidelined @KPRC2 https://t.co/DR0IKzAC7C
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 4, 2024
Team stats and trends
Bills Offense:
Buffalo’s offense ranks second in scoring but has been inconsistent, as seen in their 10-point showing against the Ravens last week. Josh Allen, while turnover-prone in the past, is on a four-game streak without throwing an interception.
Texans Defense:
Houston’s defense has been a standout, ranking fifth overall and excelling against the pass, which could be key against the Bills' passing attack. However, their 40 penalties this season have been a major issue, and they'll need more discipline to keep pace with Buffalo.
Texans Offense:
Houston's passing game has been stellar, with Stroud leading the Texans to the 8th-best offense overall and the 3rd-ranked passing attack. This will be a critical factor against Buffalo’s defense, which ranks 6th against the pass.
Fantasy tip
Look for Nico Collins to continue his dominant streak as Stroud’s top target. Collins has over 80 receiving yards in six straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Final thoughts
This matchup pits a strong Texans passing game against a resilient Bills defense. Buffalo holds the slight edge in the spread, and with both teams vying for a crucial win, this should be a hard-fought contest.
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ChatGPT contributed to this content.