The Boston Red Sox’s offense was on fire Friday night, collecting 15 hits in a 6-2 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.
Every Red Sox starter except David Ortiz had at least one hit. Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts, Hanley Ramirez and Travis Shaw all tallied two or more hits.
This offensive explosion shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise, though, given the success Boston’s batters have enjoyed against Houston in their careers.
The Red Sox have scored five or more runs in 10 of their 16 games this season. They also lead the American League with 80 runs scored and 151 hits.
Boston’s pitching must improve, especially from the rotation, but at least the staff should receive plenty of run support throughout the campaign. There are very few weak spots in this Red Sox lineup.
Here are some notes from Red Sox-Astros.
— Betts came within a home run of the cycle. He settled for four hits, including a pair of triples and a double.
The 23-year-old center fielder has eight hits in his last 14 at-bats, which is a nice improvement after a 3 for 23 slump over the first five games of the season.
— Steven Wright has pitched very well for the Red Sox this season. Despite losing his first two starts, he entered the game with a 2.13 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 12 innings. He tossed another quality start Friday by allowing just four hits and zero earned runs, in addition to five walks and six strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.
Wright’s performance lowered his ERA to 1.40, and he’s allowed more than three earned runs only once in 14 career Major League starts. More importantly, Wright pitching into the seventh inning allowed the Red Sox bullpen to receive some much-needed rest after a tough series versus the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the week.
— Xander Bogaerts was hit in the wrist by a pitch from Astros reliever Luke Gregerson in the ninth inning.
— David Ortiz will receive gifts at many ballparks this year as his final MLB season unfolds. The Astros gave him a cowboy hat before Friday’s game.
Via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images
— Astros shortstop Carlos Correa reached base three times with two hits and a walk. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year winner has a four-game hit streak and has reached base safely in his last five.
— The Astros have lost four games in a row and eight of their last 10. They sit at the bottom of the American League West division with a 5-12 record.
The Red Sox occupy second place in the American League East at 8-8.
Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images
