[OmahaBaseball]

World Series Bound — Red Sox Rout Astros

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox left no doubt Friday night, overwhelming the Houston Astros 13–1 at Fenway Park to clinch the American League Championship Series in five games and earn a return trip to the World Series.

Boston seized control almost immediately, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to chase Astros starter Cristian Javier (1-1) early; Game Score 23. The Red Sox offense kept the pressure on throughout the night, piling up 13 hits and breaking the game open with a six-run sixth inning that sent much of the Fenway crowd into celebration mode. Kyle Teel delivered the knockout punch in that sixth inning, launching a grand slam to cap the outburst and earn Player of the Game honors. Masataka Yoshida collected three hits and drove in two runs, while Triston Casas and Tyler O’Neill each contributed two RBI as Boston showcased its lineup depth from top to bottom.

On the mound, Tanner Houck (3-0) provided exactly what the Red Sox needed in a closeout game, as he scattered seven hits over 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run while striking out five; Game Score 63. Boston’s bullpen help came from the scoreless outing of Anthony Gose who covered the final 1 2/3 innings in which he allowed just 1 walk to seal the emphatic victory. Houston’s lone run came on an RBI double by Yainer Díaz in the sixth, but they never threatened after Boston’s early surge. The loss ended Houston’s bid for another pennant and underscored Boston’s dominance throughout the series.

Tommy Edman, who struggled most of the season and was regulated to the bench, had a terrific Series in which he hit .500 over the five-game set, was named ALCS MVP as the Red Sox captured the series 4–1. Boston will now await the winner of the National League Championship Series, with the World Series scheduled to begin October 24.

Player of the Game: Kyle Teel (Season: #1)

American League Championship Series Round: Wins Series 4-1