BOSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman hit a three-run home run to cap a five-run fifth inning, Yordan Alvarez followed with his third home run in two games and the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 10-2 on Sunday to complete their three-game sweep of the Series.
It was the fifth straight victory for the Astros, who lead the AL West and also won a three-game series at Fenway Park last season. Houston has won seven of its last eight series in Boston.
Jeremy Peña hit a two-run homer and Yainer Diaz hit a two-run double for the Astros, who improved their season-best seven games over .500 (62-55).
Boston starter James Paxton limped off the field after straining his right calf on a quick push to cover first base after a grounder in the opening inning.
The Red Sox have lost four games in a row and allowed a major league record 47 home runs since the All-Star break. Boston is MLB’s best 16-3 in Sunday games.
Boston first baseman Dominic Smith threw a scoreless ninth inning, with his first pitch clocked at 32 miles per hour, and tipped his hat as he left after receiving loud applause.
Hunter Brown (10-7) had nine strikeouts and allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Houston led 1-0 when Bregman fired an estimated 441-foot ball to Brennan Bernardino that took Fenway completely over the Green Monster. Alvarez then sent his ball into the center field stands.
Alvarez went 2-for-2 and raised his average to .482 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs in 15 career games at Fenway.
After hitting two home runs a day earlier, the 27-year-old slugger was compared by Red Sox manager Alex Cora to Hall of Famer and former Red Sox star David Ortiz and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
“To be honest, he’s on par with Judge for me,” Cora said. “He’s probably the closest to David in the game. He’s very, very, very similar to David Ortiz.”
Peña’s drive also displaced the Monster Seats and scored four runs in the sixth inning, making the score 10-0.
Reliever Lucas Sims (1-6) was the loser after Bernardino’s wild pitch allowed a runner he left behind to score.
TRAINING ROOM
Astros: Manager Joe Espada said “everything is positive” regarding top RHP Justin Verlander after he made a rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday night. They were waiting for a response from Verlander, but the plan is one more rehab start before considering a return to the major leagues. … Bregman slid hard into a wall while chasing a foul, but stayed in.
Red Sox: 3B Rafael Devers had the day off. “He battled through it,” Cora said. “That makes sense, and hopefully he’ll be back (Monday).” … SS Trevor Story is expected to take over BP on the field Monday anyway as he recovers from shoulder surgery faster than originally expected.
Next
Astros: LHP Framber Valdez (11-5, 3.46 ERA) is expected to start the opener of a three-game road series against Tampa Bay on Monday.
Red Sox: Cora said RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.16) would be activated from the paternity list and would start Monday when Boston plays the first of three games against Texas. RHP Tyler Mahle (0-1, 1.80) is slated to start for the Rangers.
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