Tanner Houck, Red Sox shut out Athletics

Tanner Houck continued Boston’s strong starting pitching, Trevor Story capped a five-run third inning with a two-run double and the visiting Red Sox scored early and often en route to a 9-0 shellacking of the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.

Tanner Houck, Red Sox shut out Athletics | Reuters

Jarren Duran collected three hits and scored twice, Masataka Yoshida and Enmanuel Valdez score two runs apiece and Ceddanne Rafaela joined Story with two RBIs for the Red Sox, who won their second straight game.

JJ Bleday had a double and a single for the A’s, who hurt their own cause by committing five errors, all in the first three innings.

Triston Casas had an RBI single in the first inning. A throwing error by A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler turned a sacrifice fly by Rafaela into a two-run blow in the second before the visitors broke the game open in the third.

Valdez delivered the big inning’s first run with an infield single on which Oakland first baseman Ryan Noda’s errant throw allowed Tyler O’Neill to score.

Rafaela added a second sacrifice fly for a 5-0 edge, after which Duran singled home the inning’s third run and Story smacked his two-run double.

A’s starter Joe Boyle (0-1) was pulled after Story’s hit, charged with eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out four.

Staked to a lead before throwing his first pitch, Houck (1-0) coasted through six innings, allowing just three hits. He struck out 10 without issuing a walk.

Houck’s effort completed a first time through the rotation for the Red Sox in which the five starters combined to allow just four earned runs in 28 innings. Boston owns the majors’ best rotation ERA (1.29) and best ERA overall (1.42).

Chase Anderson completed the shutout with three one-hit innings, striking out three, and was credited with his first save of the season.

The lone run of the final six innings came in the sixth, when Yoshida’s infield out scored Story, who had walked.

Casas finished with a single and a double for the Red Sox in the homer-less affair. Boston out-hit the hosts 9-4.

A’s left-hander Kyle Muller pitched well in relief, limiting the Red Sox to one hit and one run over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six and walked two.

Related Posts

Steelers work out former third-round OT, Pro Bowl LS

Despite filling their remaining roster spot on Sunday with the activation of defensive lineman Dean Lowry, the Steelers still took the time to work out four more players per NFL…

New eyeglasses give Kiké Hernández a new outlook on hitting

Turns out, his brand-new eyeglasses might be partially to thank. In a subtle change that has had a profound impact on his once-slumping season, Hernández started wearing…

Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton gets 100% real about Aaron Judge treatment

Opposing teams intentionally walking New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been a hot topic as of late, and for much of the season, Giancarlo Stanton has taken advantage of the runners on…

Cubs Sign Josh Staumont to Minor-League Deal

The Chicago Cubs are making up for the inactivity of the offseason with their signings during the season. This time, reliever Josh Staumont is joining the organization on a minor-league contract….

Jarren Duran apologizes for using homophobic slur at fan, Red Sox issue statement

Following his incident on Sunday where he was heard uttering an insensitive, homophobic slur towards a fan, OF Jarren Duran along with the Boston Red Sox have each shared statements…

Yankees’ Aaron Judge confronts annoying trend after win vs. Rangers

Intentional walks might be an important baseball strategy, but excellent hitters might also not like it. Still, all that matters in the game is your team winning,…