The losing, to say nothing of the drama, continues.
The Red Sox dropped their fourth game in their last five tries, 3-2 to the Houston Astros, and remain stuck on a magic number of one to clinch their division with just two games to go.
The Sox managed just five hits against five Houston pitchers. They left the bases loaded in the sixth and had pinch-runner Brock Holt, representing the potential tying run, thrown out at second in the eighth trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt.
In the ninth, Hanley Ramirez doubled into the left field corner with two outs, but Rafael Devers was retired on a groundout to second on the very next pitch.
For the first time on the homestand, the Sox didn’t fall behind in the top of the first inning. It didn’t take much longer, however, as the Astros got a run in the third. A two-run homer by Alex Bregman off starter Doug Fister in the fifth made it 3-0 Houston.
The Sox were held hitless until one out in the fifth when Mitch Moreland doubled. Another double by Devers scored him with the Red Sox run.
Boston inched closer in the sixth on a leadoff single by Rajai Davis, a double by Xander Bogaerts and a groundout from Dustin Pedroia.
GAME NO.: 160
WHO: Red Sox (92-67) vs Houston Astros (99-60)
WHEN: 7:10
WHERE: Fenway Park
RADIO: WEEI (93.7 FM)
TV: NESN
PITCHERS: RHP Doug Fister (5-8, 4.87) vs. RHP Charlie Morton (13-7, 3.63)
BOX SCORE: MLB Gameday
PRE-GAME NOTES:
- Eduardo Nunez (right knee) continues to make progress, but hasn't yet been cleared to return to game action and won't be until Sunday at the earliest. "It was a good work day,'' reported John Farrell. "He hit on the field, (took) 25 ground balls at second base, six 40-yard sprints in the outfield, which is probably the most intense running he's done since (running the bases in) Cincinnati. (It was) a major step forward, but still not game-ready.'' Farrell said Nunez is "moving in that direction'' it terms of being available for the start of the post-season. The Sox plan to organize some simulated-game workouts for Nunez either Monday or Tuesday.
- Farrell hinted that the Sox might scale back scheduled starter Drew Pomeranz Saturday if the team could clinch Friday night. "We'll get through today before we (address) that,'' said Farrell. "But if there's an opportunity to take advantage of the final two days with some rest, we'll do that. There are some guys internally here who've started all year. We'll make adjustments if it's afford to us.''
- Jackie Bradley Jr., who is just 6-for-17 in his last 13 games, got the night off, with Rajai Davis getting the start in center field. "There's been a little bit of chase outside the strike zone,'' said Farrell of Bradley's recent struggles at the plate.