Bradley’s big double keys Bosox’ victory
BOSTON — David Price went home a winner in a postseason start for the first time in his career.
That is all he ever cared about. “This is bigger than David Price,” he said on Sunday night. “This isn’t about me. This is about the Boston Red Sox.”
Price was good enough, the Red Sox relievers were even better and Jackie Bradley Jr. delivered a go-ahead, three-run double off the Green Monster to lead the Red Sox to a 7-5 victory over the Astros and tie the American League Championship Series at one game apiece.
Price fell one out short of qualifying for the win, which would have been his first in 11 postseason starts. But it was the first time his team had won a playoff game he started, snapping a record run of October futility.
“It’s baby steps,” said Price, who entered the night 0-9 in 10 career playoff starts. “I expect myself to be great in big moments, and I haven’t done that thus far in my career. But I came here to win, period. I came here to win a World Series, and to do it multiple times. And that’s what I’m about.” Game 3 is Tuesday in Houston.
“We came here and won a game, and they played well tonight,” Astros infielder Alex Bregman said. “It’s going to be a fun series, so we’re looking forward to going back home.”
Price was spotted a two-run lead in the first inning and then fell behind 4-2 before Bradley clanged one off the left-field wall that left fielder Marwin Gonzalez chased helplessly as it bounced back toward the infield.
Price left leading 5-4 with two on and two out in the fifth before Matt Barnes struck out Gonzalez to end the inning, then pitched a perfect sixth to earn the victory. Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless inning, and erstwhile starter Rick Porcello set the Astros down 1-2-3 in the eighth.
Gerrit Cole, who was dominant in his AL Division Series start against the Indians, gave up a double to leadoff man Mookie Betts as the Red Sox sent eight batters to the plate in the first.
NOTE: The Red Sox announced that ace left-hander Chris Sale has a stomach illness and would spend the night in the hospital.