The Boston Pink Sox are taking part in what really feel like do-or-die video games for the remainder of the season within the peak of a playoff race.
That is what makes losses like Monday night time by the hands of the Houston Astros relatively demoralizing.
Boston led by a number of runs twice earlier than the Astros got here again and finally gained on a walk-off homer from Yainer Diaz. Bullpen issues proceed to plague the Pink Sox, although Alex Cora referred to as out a returning: constant begins from the rotation.
Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford have every turned a nook in latest weeks and Boston’s All-Star right-hander Tanner Houck stepped up once more on Monday to provide his crew a aggressive shot at a victory.
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Houck gave Boston six innings of labor with simply two earned runs allowed earlier than Pink Sox relievers didn’t slam the door. Whereas the loss may be irritating, particularly given the state of the standings, Cora believes this pattern can carry Boston again on observe.
“Probably not, to be trustworthy with you,” Cora advised reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame protection. “I feel we’re getting wholesome. They are a good crew. … I assumed we threw the ball properly. You are gonna undergo stretches like this the place you win some and lose some. I do imagine with the way in which we have thrown the ball from the primary to the sixth inning, we’re gonna be OK. I feel that is an important factor.”
Cora continued: “We struggled there for a little bit bit and the bullpen paid the worth. Now, we’re throwing the ball extraordinarily properly from our starters. They’re giving us an opportunity to win. That is what occurred early within the season. I feel we will proceed doing that.”
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Pink Sox Wrap: Astros Claw For Stroll-Off Victory Over Boston
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Listed here are extra notes from Monday’s Pink Sox-Astros recreation:
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— Duran smacked his second leadoff dwelling run of the season. The opposite got here towards the Chicago White Sox on June 6.
— Yoshida hit his first profession pinch-hit dwelling run in simply his 14th MLB alternative for the Pink Sox. Yoshida additionally has the most hits in baseball during the last two weeks, per Statmuse.
— Houck delivered the third straight begin of six innings with two or much less earned runs allowed.
— Boston’s loss together with Kansas Metropolis’s 5-3 win over the Angels on Monday strikes the Pink Sox 4 1/2 video games out of the ultimate American League playoff spot.
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— Lucas Sims has six earned runs allowed since becoming a member of the Pink Sox. All of these have come towards Houston, as referenced by NESN’s Tom Caron.
— Boston falls to 0-4 towards Houston in 2024.
— Boston nearer Kenley Jansen suffered simply his second lack of the season, although his focus stays on bouncing again for the Pink Sox.
“That is a troublesome recreation, proper?” Jansen advised reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame protection. “That is a recreation the place you both win otherwise you lose. I make three actually good pitches on (Yordan) Alvarez. Sadly, that one wasn’t properly executed. Give credit score to the hitter. … It is robust. Tip your cap. We gotta transfer on from this one and struggle tomorrow.”
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— The Pink Sox and Astros proceed their sequence at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night time. First pitch is about for 8:10 p.m. ET. You may catch the sport, plus an hour of pregame protection, on NESN.
