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Astros defeat Red Sox with three-run homer by Alex Bregman
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    Astros defeat Red Sox with three-run homer by Alex Bregman

    BOSTON — Alex Bregman hit a three-run homer to key a five-run fifth inning, Yordan Alvarez followed with his third homer in two games and the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 10-2 on Sunday to complete a three-game series sweep.

    It was the fifth straight win for the AL West-leading Astros, who also swept a three-game series in Fenway Park last season. Houston has won seven of its last eight series in Boston.

    Jeremy Peña added a two-run homer and Yainer Diaz had a two-run double for the Astros, who improved to a season-best seven games over .500 (62-55).

    Boston starter James Paxton limped off the field after straining his right calf while making a quick move to cover first on a grounder in the opening inning.

    The Red Sox have lost four straight, and they’ve given up a major-league worst 47 homers since the All-Star break. Boston came in an MLB-best 16-3 in Sunday games.

    Boston first baseman Dominic Smith pitched a scoreless ninth, with his first pitch recorded at 32 m.p.h.. He tipped his cap walking off after getting a loud ovation.

    Hunter Brown (10-7) struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs.

    With Houston leading 1-0, Bregman hit a shot against Brennan Bernardino an estimated 441 feet that left Fenway completely over the Green Monster. Alvarez then sent his drive into the center-field bleachers.

    Alvarez went 2 for 2, increasing his average to .482 in 15 career games in Fenway with eight homers and 20 RBIs.

    After hitting two homers a day earlier, the 27-year-old slugger was compared by Red Sox manager Alex Cora to Hall of Famer and former Red Sox star David Ortiz, along with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.

    “For me, he’s up there with Judge, to be honest with you,” Cora said. “Closest thing to David, probably, in the game. Very, very, very similar to David Ortiz.”

    Peña’s drive also cleared the Monster seats, coming in a four-run sixth that made it 10-0.

    Reliever Lucas Sims (1-6) was the loser after Bernardino’s wild pitch allowed a runner that he left on to score

    TRAINER’S ROOM

    Astros: Manager Joe Espada said “everything was positive” on ace RHP Justin Verlander after he had a rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday night. They were waiting to hear from Verlander, but the plan is another rehab start before thinking about coming back to the majors. … Bregman slid into a wall hard chasing a foul pop, but stayed in.

    Red Sox: 3B Rafael Devers had the day off. “He’s been grinding through it,” Cora said. “It makes sense and hopefully (Monday) he’ll be back.” … SS Trevor Story is still expected to take BP on the field Monday as he works back from shoulder surgery quicker than originally expected.

    UP NEXT

    Astros: LHP Framber Valdez (11-5, 3.46 ERA) is expected to start the opener of a three-game series Monday on the road against Tampa Bay.

    Red Sox: Cora said RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.16) would come off the paternity list and make his start Monday when Boston plays the first of three against Texas. RHP Tyler Mahle (0-1, 1.80) is slated to start for the Rangers.

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    In a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse teams, the Houston Astros emerged victorious over the Boston Red Sox with a dramatic three-run homer by Alex Bregman. The game, which took place at Minute Maid Park, showcased the talent and determination of both teams as they battled it out on the field.

    The Astros got off to a strong start, with their offense putting pressure on the Red Sox pitching staff early in the game. However, the Red Sox managed to keep the score close, thanks to some solid pitching and timely hitting of their own.

    It wasn’t until the bottom of the seventh inning that the game took a dramatic turn. With two runners on base, Alex Bregman stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch three-run homer that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The blast not only gave the Astros the lead but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

    Bregman’s heroics were just part of the story, as the Astros’ pitching staff also played a crucial role in securing the win. Starter Justin Verlander turned in a solid performance, striking out several Red Sox batters and keeping them off balance throughout his time on the mound. The bullpen also came up big, shutting down any potential rallies by the Red Sox in the late innings.

    The Red Sox put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short in their quest for a comeback. Despite some late-inning heroics of their own, they were unable to overcome the deficit created by Bregman’s homer.

    Overall, the game was a thrilling display of baseball at its finest, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. The Astros’ victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to come through in clutch situations, while the Red Sox showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the American League.

    As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance and continue their pursuit of a championship. With players like Alex Bregman leading the way, the Astros are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, while the Red Sox will be looking to bounce back from this tough loss and make a statement of their own.

    In the end, it was a night to remember for Astros fans as they celebrated a hard-fought victory over a tough opponent. And for Alex Bregman, his three-run homer will go down in history as a defining moment in what promises to be an exciting season for Houston.