Red Sox 3, Astros 1: Bennett, Duran drive series opening victory at Fenway
What a weird game to be a part of, right? Your home debut of your interim manager, an MLB debut of a young southpaw, the plane flying Fire Breslow , Sell The Team above Fenway before the game, this had the makings of a mental disaster. Not tonight, apparently. It was left all off the field as the Red Sox snuck in a 3-1 victory over the Astros on Friday night.
Studs
Jake Bennett (5.0 IP, 2 BB, 3 K, 5 H, 1 ER)
What an impressive debut to make in a tough situation for this team. You could tell the moment looked a hairrrr bright at the start but he settled in smoothly the rest of the way aside from the Correa solo shot. Kudos to the kid here.
The Bullpen
No pitcher truly had a “clean” frame but all holds and a save is exactly what you want to see to back up a rookie making his debut. Kelly and Whitlock worked themselves into the most obvious trouble but well done to keep it off the board.
Duds
Wilyer Abreu (0-for-4)
Grounding into a double play not but TWICE is brutal. The first one stung more because the Sox had two on and were continuing to rally after Jarren Duran ’s three run swat. Still, not an awesome night for Abreu by any stretch.
Play of the Game
This is the kind of swing the Red Sox need to see from Jarren Duran to justify his inclusion in the every day line up. Maybe Chad Tracy will give him some kind of confidence boost.
