The Red Sox's bats and starting pitching did enough to win Monday, but once again, Boston's bullpen couldn't do its part to lock down a victory.
After a quality start from Tanner Houck and a shutout seventh inning by Chris Martin, Lucas Sims and Kenley Jansen both surrendered costly runs that doomed the visitors in the series opener at Minute Maid Park. Jansen's misstep was particularly troubling, as Yainder Diaz's walk-off blast off the Red Sox closer sealed a 5-4 win for the Astros.
The defeat dropped Boston further down the American League wild-card standings, but Jansen wasn't hanging his head after the club's second straight loss.
"I made three really good pitches on (Yordan) Alvarez, and unfortunately that one (to Diaz) wasn't well executed," Jansen told reporters, per MLB.com. "Give credit to the hitter. He ambushed me, and it won that game. It's tough. Tip your cap. But we've got to move on and fight tomorrow. Let that be motivation."
The four-time All-Star went on to explain how the Red Sox must stay present, as dwelling on the past or worrying about the future won't do the club any good. Jansen also pleaded for Boston to kick up its "urgency" with the regular season winding down.
The Red Sox will try to get back on track Tuesday when they meet the Astros for the middle game of the series. NESN's complete coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET.
