The Boston Red Sox are in Houston hoping to avoid being swept by the Astros after a rough start to the series. Following a 9-2 defeat on Tuesday, the Red Sox are aiming to bounce back. They have been outscored 17-3 in the first two games. Wednesday’s game offers Boston a chance to salvage something from this road trip.
Pitching Matchups and Team Lineups
Garrett Crochet will start for the Red Sox. Crochet threw six shutout innings on Opening Day against the Reds. Mike Burrows is scheduled to pitch for Houston. Burrows allowed five runs on nine hits in his first start of the season against the Angels.
Here are the lineups for both teams:
- RED SOX (1-4): Duran LF, Story SS, Yoshida DH, Contreras 1B, Abreu RF, Durbin 3B, Rafaela CF, Kiner-Falefa 2B, Wong C
- ASTROS (4-2): Altuve 2B, Alvarez DH, Paredes 3B, Correa SS, Walker 1B, Smith RF, Meyers CF, Matthews LF, Vazquez C
Crochet’s Challenge Against the Astros
Garrett Crochet has historically struggled against the Astros. He has a career record of 0-3 with a 6.28 ERA in four games (three starts) against them. The Astros have been on a strong run, winning four games in a row since an 0-2 start.
Red Sox Offensive Struggles
The Red Sox have struggled to generate offence in this series. They have only eight hits in the first two games. Boston have 13 runs in their five games this season and have struck out 54 times. “We just have to be better,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.
Boston struck out 13 times in the Tuesday loss. Leadoff hitter Roman Anthony fanned in each of his four at-bats. Cora commented on Anthony’s performance, saying, “I’m not worried… I’ve been in this building before, and supposedly it’s a good place to hit. Sometimes you don’t pick up the ball, especially early for some reason up there.”
Astros’ Recent Form
The Astros have been in excellent form, scoring at least eight runs in each of their four wins. Burrows has faced the Red Sox once, giving up one run on five hits in two relief innings.
The Red Sox will be looking to improve after a disappointing start to the series. “We just have to be better,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.