Red Sox SP Tanner Houck's worst start of 2024 leads to 11-1 loss to Padres

The Boston Red Sox welcomed the San Diego Padres to Fenway Park on Saturday for the second of three games this weekend, and Alex Cora's squad was handed an 11-1 loss.

Red Sox starter Tanner Houck has the worst start of his season, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits and one walk over 4 1/3 innings. The outing will probably knock him out of the running to start the All-Star Game for the American League, as his ERA ballooned to 2.67.

Boston brought in left-handed reliever Bailey Horn for his MLB after Houck's departure, and he allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over 2 2/3 innings.

Zack Kelly pitched one inning, allowing one run (none earned) on two hits while striking out two. First baseman Dom Smith was brought on to pitch the final inning, allowing just one hit.

The Red Sox's offense was quiet again, recording just six hits and striking out 11 times. Their lone run came on a Jarren Duran (1-for-3) in the sixth inning. Wilyer Abreu (2-for-4) was the only player in the lineup to record multiple hits.

This loss drops Boston to 43-39 overall and 19-23 at Fenway Park. It also means a series loss for the Red Sox, as they'll meet the Padres for just one final game in this series on Sunday.