Walking off with big win
Carlos Correa’s bases-loaded hit in the bottom of the ninth beats the Red Sox.
The Astros’ bullpen appeared infallible, entering this premier series with two game-finishing relievers on record streaks. Saturday saw a dismal departure from the script, upon which the Astros have ascended to the top of the American League West.
Boston’s relievers bring more worry. A closer-by-committee is unable duplicate the dominance of Craig Kimbrel, who departed this offseason and still lingers in free agency.
The Red Sox frustration was manifested. Matt Barnes did not record an out in the ninth inning, ceding a Carlos Correa walkoff single that lifted the Astros to a 4-3 victory after Roberto Osuna nearly gave it away Saturday night at Minute Maid Park.
A battle of bullpen blowups belonged to Houston.
“I just sucked,” Barnes said.
In a tie game, Aledmys Diaz demolished a double on Barnes’ second pitch of the ninth inning. Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley coaxed consecutive walks to allow Correa the plate with the bases loaded and no outs.
A walk was out of the question. Barnes dotted a four-seam fastball down and away. Correa inside-outed the pitch the other way to right field, beginning his celebration before the baseball even landed.
“I’m thinking I have to finish this game,” the shortstop said. “I really didn’t want to give the at-bat to Yuli (Gurriel). A walk or sac fly would get the job done. I’m just not trying to do too much, put the ball in play to right-center field and it happened to fall for a hit.”
More than any other Astros pitcher, Osuna employs the innate ability to manage craziness. His on-field contributions during his short tenure with this organization are overwhelming.
Saturday, seeking a series win and 26th straight save, Osuna was offered a two-run lead in the ninth inning. He blew it, allowing two runs on his first five pitches.
Since Houston acquired the 24year-old righthander last July, he has received the baseball 25 times in a save situation. Each time, he converted, starting a run of remarkable pitching in the most perilous of predicaments.
On his first three three pitches of Saturday’s ninth inning, Osuna filled the bases. First pitches to Rafael Devers and Michael Chavis were chopped for singles A firstpitch fastball plunked Jackie Bradley, Jr, loading the bases for Christian Vazquez.
The Boston designated hitter had hammered a solo home run against Osuna in Friday’s 4-3 Houston win. A day later, Vazquez scalded a subpar slider down the thirdbase line, allowing two runs home to tie the game. The two-run lead he was handed hung in peril.
“It surprised me a little bit, I’m not going to lie,” Osuna said. “But it’s my job to make the adjustment and not think about anything else.”
Runners stood at first and third with no outs after the frenetic occurrence. No one stirred in the Astros’ bullpen. It was Osuna’s game to manage or mangle.
“It’s going to take a lot for him to ever lose his composure,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He’s really good at just looking at the situation and moving onto the next pitch. He’s arguably one of the best on our team at it.”
A two-out walk to Mookie Betts loaded the bases, but Mitch Moreland mustered only a soft grounder back to Osuna. The reliever fielded it and departed the field in frustration. He pumped his fists at keeping the tie but shouted aimlessly at the ignominy that preceded it.
“(My stuff ) was good. No excuses, I was feeling great,” Osuna said. “I made a couple mistakes and they took advantage of it. That’s it.”