Takeaways: Red Sox Fall to Astros in Series Opener

The Boston Red Sox find themselves back in the Lone Star state this week for a three-game set with the Houston Astros.

The Red Sox fell 5-4 to the Astros in the series opener. Tanner Houck's outing on the mound put Boston in a position to be successful but the bullpen failed to hold on.

What are the main things to take away from Game 1 between Boston and Houston?

Houck was outstanding on the mound

Once again, the Red Sox were put in a position to win due to a stellar outing from Houck.

In six innings on the mound, Boston's star right-hander held the Astros to two runs off eight hits, did not walk any batters and recorded eight strikeouts.

The Red Sox's bullpen got itself into trouble once Houck's night ended which is not the first time that has happened this season.

Boston's bullpen did not reciprocate Houck's success

Despite the performance put on by Houck, the Red Sox did not keep up that performance on the mound once the keys were handed over to the bullpen.

Lucas Sims allowed an RBI single from Mauricio Dubon in the eighth inning and Kenley Jansen gave up the walk-off home run to Yainer Diaz in the ninth.

Relief pitching has been an inconsistent part of Boston’s game this season but it will need to figure it out if the team wants to stay in the American League Wild Card race.

The Red Sox are now 65-58 on the season.

Game 2

The Red Sox will attempt to even the series with a win tomorrow. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.