Red Sox's comeback effort falls short in 5-4 loss to Astros on Saturday

On Saturday, the Boston Red Sox hosted the Houston Astros at Fenway Park for their second of three games against each other, and Alex Cora's team was promptly handed a 5-4 loss.

With Nick Pivetta being skipped in the rotation and Cooper Criswell being placed on the COVID-19 list on Friday, Boston had to lean on Josh Winchowski to open the game. He went three innings, giving up just one run on two hits. Brad Keller, who was just recalled from Triple-A, followed and allowed three runs (two home runs) on six hits and two walks over his four innings of work.

Zack Kelly got the eighth and allowed a solo home run to Astros first baseman Zach Dezenzo, the first of his career. Chris Martin was the only Red Sox pitcher not to allow a run, as he pitched a clean ninth.

Boston's offense struggled in this one, allowing Spencer Arrighetti, who entered this game with a 5.33 ERA on the year, to give up just two runs on two hits over seven innings. Danny Jansen (1-for-3) and Masataka Yoshida (1-for-3) hit solo home runs, and Wilyer Abreu (1-for-4) drove in two but it wasn't enough. As a whole, the team struck out 15 times, and they left the tying run on second (Rafael Devers) in the bottom of the ninth despite having three chances to bring it home.

This loss drops Boston to 61-52 on the season and 27-30 at Fenway Park and also hands them the series loss. The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon for the finale, as the Red Sox look to avoid the sweep.

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