Takeaways: Boston Red Sox Take Rubber Match Against Houston Astros 4-1

The Boston Red Sox powered past the Houston Astros in the deciding game of the series, winning 4-1 and combining for nine straight scoreless innings after Alex Bregman's leadoff home run.

Triston Casas, Ceddanne Rafaela, and David Hamilton all drove in runs in a complete offensive performance, with Rafaela and Masataka Yoshida racking up multiple hits.

What are the main takeaways from Boston's game three win to Houston?

Cooper Criswell was cruising

A 4.2 inning start is usually not ideal but for a spot starter like Cooper Criswell, especially coming off of a few tough outings, it's an excellent showing. The only run he gave up was on a solo home run hit by Alex Bregman.

Criswell allowed just four hits in the outing and picked up four strikeouts to just one walk. The Red Sox's inability to stay away from injuries to their pitching staff has once again forced him to become a large part of their pitching plans and his start today was exactly what he needs to give them.

Ceddanne Rafaela absolutely took over

Playing shortstop today, rookie sensation Ceddanne Rafaela had a game to remember. He knocked in a run on two separate doubles in clutch situations and had multiple highlight plays on defense. His batting average since the All-Star Break is hovering around the .300 mark and has been one of the team's most eclectic playmakers for months now.

As he's both helping Boston fight for a playoff spot and competing for the AL Rookie of the Year award, Rafaela is most certainly proving that he is already a quality MLB player who can impact the game in all facets.

The bullpen was the star of the show

The bullpen was very obviously going to be heavily relied on with Criswell starting the game and they were up to the task. Six different relievers pitched scoreless appearances and allowed just four hits in 4.1 innings.

With Kenley Jansen unavailable, Luis Garcia and Chris Martin shut down Houston in the eighth and ninth innings and looked sharp. Brennan Bernardino sat down Yordan Alvarez in a two-out, bases loaded situation on three pitches in what might have been the biggest moment of the game.

The Red Sox are now 67-59 on the season.

Game 1

The Boston Red Sox's next series is at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks, scheduled for Friday night at 7:10 PM EST at Fenway Park, televised on NESN.