[OmahaBaseball]

Astros Ride Valdez, Big Fifth Inning to Even ALCS

Houston, TX — Framber Valdez (1-0) authored a complete-game gem and the Houston Astros broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning, defeating the Boston Red Sox 8–3 on Monday night to knot the American League Championship Series at one game apiece before a raucous crowd at Minute Maid Park.

Houston struck early with two runs in the first inning and answered each Boston push, building steady pressure against Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford (1-2). The decisive moment came in the bottom of the fifth, when Jeremy Peña lined a two-out, two-run double to left with runners on second and third, capping a surge that gave the Astros a commanding 6–2 advantage. Peña finished 1 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Valdez was dominant after allowing early runs, settling into a rhythm and leaning on his heavy sinker to induce ground balls and limit damage. He scattered nine hits, walked just one, and struck out eight over 123 pitches, becoming the clear tone-setter for Houston’s pitching staff; Game Score 64. Offensively, the Astros collected 11 hits, with Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker each recording two hits. Yainer Díaz drove in two runs, while contributions came throughout the lineup as Houston consistently capitalized on Boston mistakes and timely opportunities.

Boston, which totaled nine hits, was paced by Rafael Devers, who doubled and later homered in the eighth inning. Jarren Duran added an RBI, but the Red Sox left multiple runners stranded and could not slow Houston’s momentum after the middle innings. Crawford took the loss after surrendering seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings; Game Score 21. With the series tied 1–1, the ALCS now shifts to Fenway Park for Game 3 on Wednesday, setting up a pivotal stretch as both teams vie for the American League pennant.

Player of the Game: Framber Valdez

American League Championship Series Round: Tied 1-1