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OmahaBaseball · 12-14-2025, 07:36 PM

Red Sox Rally Late to Take ALCS Opener

Houston, TX — In a back-and-forth opener that set the tone for the series, the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Houston Astros, 7–6, in 10 innings Sunday night at Minute Maid Park to seize a 1–0 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston leaned on power, patience, and a steady bullpen finish to overcome early Houston bursts and a charged postseason atmosphere.

Houston struck first when Yordan Alvarez launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, and then added two more in the fourth on Yainer Diaz’s two-run shot to build a 4–1 cushion. Red Sox starter Tanner Houck battled through traffic, allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings, keeping the team within striking distance despite surrendering two home runs; Game Score 45. The game flipped in the sixth when Jarren Duran ignited the rally with his own solo homer, and moments later Tyler O’Neill unloaded a three-run blast to right, giving Boston its first lead. Rafael Devers added breathing room with a solo homer in the seventh, his second long ball of the postseason, before Houston clawed back with runs in the seventh and eighth to force extra innings.

Starter turned bullpen help, Brayan Bello (BS 1) was roughed up for a run in the 8th inning, and the team was forced to turn to closer Liam Hendriks (1-0) who slammed the door when it mattered most; tossing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts to earn the win. In the top of the 10th, Masataka Yoshida delivered the decisive blow, lining a run-scoring single off Josh Hader (0-1) to put Boston ahead for good. Duran finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two walks and two runs scored, earning Player of the Game honors, while Devers chipped in two hits and a homer.

The Red Sox totaled 10 hits and drew nine walks, repeatedly pressuring the opposing pitching staff. The Astros, limited to six hits, were led by Alvarez’s early power and Diaz’s three-RBI night, but stranded key runners late. Boston’s defense was clean, committing no errors, and turned two double plays to halt mounting threats. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night, with the visitors looking to extend their advantage before the series shifts venues

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #5)

American League Championship Series Round: Leads 1-0

12-14-2025, 07:36 PM	#570
OmahaBaseball Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Home of the College World Series! Posts: 3,919	AL Championship Series Game 1: Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Red Sox Rally Late to Take ALCS Opener Houston, TX — In a back-and-forth opener that set the tone for the series, the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Houston Astros, 7–6, in 10 innings Sunday night at Minute Maid Park to seize a 1–0 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston leaned on power, patience, and a steady bullpen finish to overcome early Houston bursts and a charged postseason atmosphere. Houston struck first when *Yordan Alvarez* launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, and then added two more in the fourth on *Yainer Diaz’s* two-run shot to build a 4–1 cushion. Red Sox starter *Tanner Houck* battled through traffic, allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings, keeping the team within striking distance despite surrendering two home runs; Game Score 45. The game flipped in the sixth when *Jarren Duran* ignited the rally with his own solo homer, and moments later *Tyler O’Neill* unloaded a three-run blast to right, giving Boston its first lead. *Rafael Devers* added breathing room with a solo homer in the seventh, his second long ball of the postseason, before Houston clawed back with runs in the seventh and eighth to force extra innings. Starter turned bullpen help, *Brayan Bello* (BS 1) was roughed up for a run in the 8th inning, and the team was forced to turn to closer *Liam Hendriks* (1-0) who slammed the door when it mattered most; tossing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts to earn the win. In the top of the 10th, *Masataka Yoshida* delivered the decisive blow, lining a run-scoring single off *Josh Hader* (0-1) to put Boston ahead for good. Duran finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two walks and two runs scored, earning Player of the Game honors, while *Devers* chipped in two hits and a homer. The Red Sox totaled 10 hits and drew nine walks, repeatedly pressuring the opposing pitching staff. The Astros, limited to six hits, were led by *Alvarez’s* early power and *Diaz’s* three-RBI night, but stranded key runners late. Boston’s defense was clean, committing no errors, and turned two double plays to halt mounting threats. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night, with the visitors looking to extend their advantage before the series shifts venues Player of the Game: *Jarren Duran* (Season: #5) American League Championship Series Round: Leads 1-0 Attached Images __________________ Life is Good! Last edited by OmahaBaseball; 12-15-2025 at 05:19 PM.