Astros crush Red Sox 8-1 behind Altuve's career-tying four-hit explosion
The Houston Astros secured their third consecutive win with an 8-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. The game marked the season debut for both teams' starting pitchers, Brayan Bello and Hunter Brown, as well as Lance McCullers Jr.'s return to form after a long absence from deep outings. The Astros opened the 2024 season with two losses but have since turned their fortunes around. On Tuesday, they dominated from the start, with Jose Altuve leading the charge. He smashed two home runs and tied his career-high with four hits in a single game.
Yordan Alvarez added to the scoring with a two-run homer, while rookie Brice Matthews also contributed with a solo shot. Lance McCullers Jr. delivered a standout performance in his first start of the year, allowing just four hits and one run over seven innings—his longest outing since 2022. He struck out nine batters, showcasing his sharp form. For the Red Sox, Wilyer Abreu managed two hits and drove in their only run. Boston starter Ranger Suárez struggled, giving up seven hits and four runs in just 4 1/3 innings. Brayan Bello, making his season debut, faced a tough Astros lineup but could not contain their offensive surge.
The Astros now hold a 3-2 record after their strong start following a winless opening series. McCullers Jr.'s return to extended innings and Altuve's explosive performance highlight their momentum. Meanwhile, the Red Sox will look to regroup after a lopsided loss in their latest outing.
