[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Rally Late to Edge Astros in ALCS Game 3

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox staged a dramatic late comeback Wednesday night, defeating the Houston Astros 7–6 at Fenway Park to seize a 2–1 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston overcame a back-and-forth contest and broke through in the eighth inning to swing momentum in the best-of-seven matchup.

Boston struck early with two runs in the first inning and added another in the third, highlighted by Rafael Devers’ solo home run; his 4th of the postseason. Houston stayed quiet through five innings before erupting late, scoring two runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth to briefly take a 6–5 lead. Kyle Tucker led the Astros’ charge, driving in three runs, including a two-run homer in the eighth that silenced the Fenway crowd. The Red Sox responded immediately. With two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the eighth, Ceddanne Rafaela delivered a clutch two-run single to right field off of closer Josh Hader (0-1), flipping the score back in Boston’s favor.

Starter Jack Flaherty provided a strong foundation, pitching seven innings and limiting Houston to four runs on 5 hits and permitting 4 walks while striking out 5; Game Score 52. The ever shaky pitching of Brayan Bello (1-0; BS 2) struck again as he served up 2 earned runs on 2 hits in one inning of work. Much to the relief of the Fenway faithful, closer Liam Hendriks (SV 3) closed the door late, as he worked a clean ninth inning to earn the save. Boston secured a crucial home win and must now prepare to host Game 4.

Player of the Game: Jack Flaherty (Season: #13)

American League Championship Series Round: Lead 2-1