[OmahaBaseball]

A much-needed victory against a very tough home team (MLB best 43-19) helps in the Wild Card chase. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (68-57) picked up the 5 to 2 victory over the Houston Astros (67-57).

Starter Brayan Bello (12-11) earned the victory after permitting just 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 58. Nick Pivetta (H 7) bounced back from yesterday's loss to keep the opposition in check with a scoreless 8th inning before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 27) who notched the save. Leading the way at the plate for the Red Sox were Rafael Devers (3 for 4, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk), Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI, Sacrifice Fly), and Vaughn Grissom (2 for 3, Double, RBI, Walk). This marks the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons that Devers has reached the 30 Homerun mark.

Ronel Blanco (5-7) was given the start by the Astros but was knocked around for 4 earned runs on 7 hits, 3 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 5 in 5 innings of work; Game Score 39. Ryan Pressly pitched 2 innings in relief in which he allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits before reliever Carlos Estevez pitched the final 2 innings without permitting any further damage. Kyle Tucker (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI and Yainer Diaz (1 for 3, RBI, Walk) played well on the day.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #9)

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 3 Games Behind