Red Sox Aim to Clinch Series Against Astros After 3-1 Victory

Key facts

• Red Sox beat Astros 3-1 on Friday, May 1, 2026, improving to 13-19.
• Astros dropped to 12-21, last in AL West, after third loss in four games.
• Connely Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA) starts for Boston on Saturday; Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA) for Houston.
• Red Sox are 5-8 at home; Astros are 4-12 on the road.
• Wilyer Abreu leads Boston with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs; Yordan Alvarez has 9 doubles and 12 homers for Houston.
• Red Sox have 10 players on the injured list; Astros have 13.
• Game time: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET on NESN and MLB.TV.

Boston Snaps Skid, Puts Series Win in Reach

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 on Friday night at Fenway Park, snapping a two-game losing streak and setting up a chance to clinch the three-game series on Saturday. The win lifted Boston's record to 13-19, though they remain in last place in the American League East. Houston fell to 12-21, also last in the AL West, after dropping their third game in the last four. The Red Sox had lost three straight at home before Friday's victory. They now aim to break that home losing streak and secure a series win in the middle game of the set. The Astros, meanwhile, are desperate to avoid a second consecutive loss and even the series before Sunday's finale.

Pitching Matchup: Early vs. Arrighetti

Boston will send left-hander Connely Early to the mound on Saturday afternoon. Early enters the game with a 2-1 record and a 2.84 ERA. In his most recent start, he pitched 6.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing two runs on four hits while earning the win. The Red Sox are 2-3 in games he has started this season. Houston counters with Spencer Arrighetti, who is undefeated at 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA. The Astros have won all three of his starts, and he has surrendered just four total runs in those outings. Arrighetti will look to keep Houston's momentum alive after a tough loss.

Friday's Game: Key Performers and Turning Points

The Red Sox out-hit the Astros on Friday, improving to 10-1 this season when they record more hits than their opponent. Wilyer Abreu continues to be a driving force for Boston, having collected six doubles, a triple, and four home runs on the year. Over the past 10 games, infielder Marcelo Mayer has gone 10-for-27 with three doubles. For Houston, Yordan Alvarez leads the team with nine doubles and 12 home runs. First baseman Christian Walker has been hot recently, going 14-for-40 with three doubles, three homers, and eight RBIs in his last 10 games. The Astros' offense managed only one run on Friday, continuing a stretch in which they have been outscored by nine runs over their last 10 contests.

Injury Woes Plague Both Rosters

Both teams are dealing with extensive injury lists. The Red Sox have 10 players on the injured list, including key pitchers Garrett Crochet (shoulder), Justin Slaten (oblique), Patrick Sandoval (elbow), Kutter Crawford (wrist), Sonny Gray (leg), and Tanner Houck (elbow). Position players Triston Casas (knee), Johan Oviedo (elbow), and Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) are also sidelined. is even longer, with 13 players on the IL. Among them are pitchers Hunter Brown (shoulder), Cristian Javier (shoulder), Ronel Blanco (elbow), Josh Hader (biceps), and Hayden Wesneski (elbow). Position players Jeremy Pena (knee), Taylor Trammell (groin), Joey Loperfido (quadricep), Jake Meyers (oblique), Nick Allen (back), and Zach Dezenzo (elbow) are also out. The Astros have been particularly hit hard in the bullpen.

Season Trends and Series History

Friday's game was the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. Boston holds a 5-8 record at home, while Houston is 4-12 on the road. The Astros are 1-2 in one-run games this year, a category that has often defined close contests. Over their last 10 games, the Red Sox have a 4-6 record with a.238 batting average and a 4.34 ERA, being outscored by one run. The Astros also went 4-6 in their last 10, but hit.281 as a team while posting a 5.83 ERA and being outscored by nine runs. Houston's pitching staff has struggled significantly during that stretch.

What's at Stake on Saturday

A win on Saturday would give the Red Sox their first series victory since April and pull them within one game of.500 at home. For the Astros, a loss would drop them three games below their already disappointing record and extend their losing streak on the road. With both teams languishing at the bottom of their respective divisions, every game carries added weight as they try to climb back into contention. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET at Fenway Park. The game will be broadcast on NESN and MLB.TV, with streaming available on Fubo.

The bottom line

• Boston's 3-1 win Friday snapped a two-game skid and sets up a potential series clincher Saturday.
• Connely Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA) starts for the Red Sox; Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA) for the Astros.
• Both teams are last in their divisions: Red Sox 13-19 (AL East), Astros 12-21 (AL West).
• Injuries have decimated both rosters, with Boston missing 10 players and Houston 13.
• The Astros have lost three of their last four games and are 4-12 on the road.
• Wilyer Abreu and Yordan Alvarez are the standout hitters for their respective clubs.