Bullpen shuts the door as Red Sox even ALCS series with Astros

October 14, 2018

Jackie Bradley JR hit a three run double and the Boston Red Sox held off the Houston Astros for a 7-5 win in game two of the American League Championship Series on Sunday night at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox started quickly with two runs in the first inning. The Astros responded when George Springer hit a two run single off David Price in the top of the second inning. The Astros took the lead on a Marwin Gonzalez smashed a two run homer in the top of the third inning.

The Red Sox took a lead they wouldn’t give back when Bradley JR hit a three run double off the green monster in the bottom of the third inning.

Mookie Betts produced a run in the seventh when he walked and came around to score on a passed ball. Betts drove in the final run in the eighth inning when he ripped a double that scored Rafael Devers.

The Red Sox bullpen pitched great. Matt Barnes picked up the win, throwing a perfect 1.1 innings. Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless seventh inning. Rick Porcello, the scheduled game four starter came in and pitched a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts. Craig Kimbrel picked up the save, allowing one run in the ninth inning.

Betts and Devers each reached base three times, with two hits and two runs scored. Price allowed four runs in 4.2 innings. With the series tied at one the teams will play game three at Houston on Tuesday at 5:09 PM.

Chris Sale was admitted to the hospital on Sunday afternoon with a stomach illness. He is staying overnight at the hospital. Sale is the scheduled game five starter.