The Boston Red Sox will attempt to end a three-game losing streak when they face the visiting Houston Astros on Sunday. A major part of Boston's problem during that three-game stretch has been allowing home runs. The Astros hit four home runs during their 5-4 triumph Saturday against Boston, which has surrendered 44 home runs in 20 games since the All-Star break -- the most in the major leagues.
Boston gave up two home runs in its 8-4 loss to Houston on Friday, and surrendered three home runs in an 8-4 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday. The Astros' four home runs Saturday were their most in a game since June 1, when they homered four times in a 5-2 victory over Minnesota. Yordan Alvarez hit two of Houston's four home runs Saturday.
The multi-homer game was Alvarez's fourth this season and 19th of his major league career. "For me, he's up there with (Aaron) Judge, to be honest with you," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "It seems like he likes hitting here.
That wall (in left field) keeps him closed, he can shoot it the other way. ..
. Closest thing to David, probably, in the game. Very, very, very similar to David Ortiz.
" Houston's victory Saturday stretched its winning streak to four games. The Astros scored 23 runs in those four wins. Boston was in position to tie the score after Rafael Devers led off the ninth with a double against closer Josh Hader, but Hader retired the next three batters to record his 25th consecutive save opportunity, which set the franchise's single-seas.