Astros use four-run seventh to top Red Sox

Jose Altuve's two-run home run was part of a four-run seventh inning that carried the visiting Houston Astros to an 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night in the first meeting between the teams this season.

The Red Sox led 3-1 when Altuve hit his 15th homer of the season against reliever Lucas Sims. Jon Singleton and Jeremy Pena followed with RBI singles that extended the lead to 5-3. Houston collected seven hits in the inning.

Sims (1-5) gave up four runs on four hits in one-third of an inning. He replaced Tanner Houck, who allowed a run on four hits in six innings. Houck exited the mound after 82 pitches.

Houston added three runs in the ninth. After Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez led off the inning with back-to-back doubles, Yainer Diaz hit a two-run homer against Cam Booser.

Boston got a run back in its half of the ninth when Jarren Duran scored from third on Rafael Devers' groundout.

Kaleb Ort (1-0) didn't allow a hit and struck out three in 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Houston starter Ronel Blanco was pulled after he threw 88 pitches in four innings. Blanco gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits, walking three and striking out five.

Houston received three hits each from Pena and Bregman. Houston had 16 hits in the win. Duran and Nick Sogard each had a double and a single for the Red Sox.

The Astros grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first. Altuve scored from third when Alvarez hit into a double play.

Boston took the lead in the second, when David Hamilton, the team's No. 9 hitter, drove in Sogard and Ceddanne Rafaela with a two-out double. Sogard and Rafaela each singled with two outs.

Houston trailed 3-1 after Blanco committed a throwing error when he attempted to pick Hamilton off first. The wild throw allowed Sogard to score from third.

--Field Level Media