Astros Rally In Fifth Inning Diaz Delivers Clutch Hit In Ninth

Houston Astros Defeat Boston Red Sox 5-4 on Yainer Diaz's Walk-Off Homer

Astros Rally in Fifth Inning, Diaz Delivers Clutch Hit in Ninth

The Houston Astros overcame an early deficit to defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 on Friday, August 19, 2024, thanks to a walk-off home run from Yainer Diaz in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Astros' Offensive Outburst in Fifth Inning

The Astros trailed 3-0 after three innings but erupted for five runs in the fifth. Alex Bregman launched a three-run homer to tie the game, and Yordan Alvarez followed with his third homer in two games to give Houston a 5-3 lead.

Diaz's Heroics in the Ninth

The Red Sox tied the game in the eighth inning, but Diaz came through with a solo shot off reliever Matt Barnes to secure the win for the Astros.

Boston's Early Lead

The Red Sox took an early lead on a sacrifice fly by Xander Bogaerts in the first inning and a two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the third inning.

Pitching Performances

Astros starter Framber Valdez struggled early but settled down to allow three runs on five hits over five innings. Relievers Bryan Abreu, Hunter Brown, and Rafael Montero combined for four hitless innings.

Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta gave up five runs on seven hits over four innings. Barnes (5-3) took the loss, allowing Diaz's game-winning homer.

Box Score

Houston Astros

• Yainer Diaz: 1-for-4, HR, RBI
• Alex Bregman: 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Yordan Alvarez: 1-for-3, HR, RBI
• Jeremy Pena: 2-for-4

Boston Red Sox

• Rafael Devers: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
• Xander Bogaerts: 1-for-3, RBI
• Trevor Story: 2-for-4

Conclusion

The Astros' win improves their record to 75-47, while the Red Sox fall to 62-60. Houston is now tied with the New York Yankees for first place in the AL West, while Boston remains in third place in the AL East.