Astros Beat Red Sox 8-4 with Strong 7th Inning

BOSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros secured an 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night, bolstered by a powerful fourth inning that saw Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer, while Jon Singleton and Jeremy Peña contributed with RBI singles. This win marked the Astros' third consecutive victory, maintaining their lead in the AL West. Altuve's homer, which tied the game in the seventh inning, was the 224th of his career, showcasing his continued impact on the field. The Astros capitalized on a struggling Red Sox bullpen, which allowed seven runs and 12 hits in the final three innings. Yainer Diaz also made a significant contribution with a two-run homer in the ninth, his 11th of the season, hitting it over the iconic Green Monster amidst light rain. Both Alex Bregman and Peña had standout performances, each finishing the game with three hits. On the other side, the Red Sox had a brief lead thanks to David Hamilton's two-run double, which came after they were trailing 1-0. However, the team could not maintain their momentum, as starting pitcher Ronel Blanco allowed three runs, two of which were earned, in his debut against Boston. Looking ahead, the Astros are preparing for a potential return of RHP Justin Verlander, who is set to make a rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land. Meanwhile, Cooper Criswell, scheduled to start on Saturday, has been placed on the COVID-19 injured list.