Final: Red Sox 2, Astros 1

What difference can one player make? Ask the Red Sox.

Rafael Devers, activated before the game after a stint on the IL with a hamstring strain, returned with a vengeance, cracking a run-scoring double and a game-tying homer in his first game back as the Red Sox edged the Houston Astros, 2-1.

Kutter Crawford limited the Astros to a solo run over six innings and the Boston bullpen took it from there.

In the ninth, closer Tanner Houck had to retire the Astros' two newest acquisitions as pinch-hitters -- Trey Mancini and Christian Vazquez -- to preserve the lead for his second save in as many games.

WHO: Red Sox (52-52) vs. Houston Astros (67-37)
WHERE: Minute Maid Park
WHEN: 8:10 p.m.
SERIES TO DATE: BOS 1-0
SEASON SERIES TO DATE: BOS 3-1
STARTING PITCHERS: RHP Kutter Crawford (2-3, 4.15) vs. RHP Cristian Javier (6-6, 3.26)
TV/RADIO: NESN; WEEI-FM 93.7

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Duran CF
Pham LF
Devers 3B
Martinez DH
Verdugo RF
Arroyo SS
Dalbec 1B
Sanchez 2B
Plawecki C

ASTROS

Altuve 2B
Gurriel 1B
Alvarez LF
Bregman 3B
Tucker RF
Diaz DH
Pena SS
Meyers CF
Maldonado C