The Boston Red Sox received a crucial pitching boost from newly acquired Dustin May as he delivered six shutout innings against the Houston Astros, helping secure a commanding 14-1 victory. With the team struggling through several losses, May’s performance on Tuesday halted the Astros’ offense early and gave Boston the chance to rally offensively.
Dustin May Shuts Down Astros During Key Stretch
Initially, Garrett Crochet was expected to stabilize the Red Sox’s pitching staff after recent struggles, but it was Dustin May, acquired at the trade deadline, who ultimately stopped the team’s decline. Coming off a tough run with four losses in five games, and following Crochet’s worst outing of a strong season, May took the mound against the Astros and stifled their lineup for six innings without allowing a run.
The game remained closely contested through five innings with a 2-0 score, but May’s effective pitching kept Houston at bay while the Red Sox offense struggled to find traction. Boston’s breakthrough came in the sixth inning, scoring five runs that shifted momentum decisively. Without May’s early control, the game might have unfolded very differently.
Pitching Strategy and Performance Details
May acknowledged his effective outing, telling the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey,
“Today was definitely one of my better days on the year. There were some long innings at the start, but being able to set the tone with the heater and not rely on the sweeper, it was good. I was able to settle in and get some quicker outs, which was great.”
Data analyzed by Tyler Milliken from the Sports Hub showed that May increased his fastball velocity and balanced a four-pitch mix, reflecting the guiding approach of Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey. May’s pitch distribution included 21% four-seam fastballs, 37% sweepers, 23% sinkers, and 20% cutters. This combination helped limit the Astros’ offensive opportunities despite the heavy reliance on the sweeper.
While it remains to be seen if May can maintain this pitch ratio as opposing teams adjust, his success using the sweeper alongside a strong fastball was a promising sign of adaptability and effectiveness.
Red Sox Strengthen Position in AL Wild Card Race
Tuesday’s win officially clinched the Red Sox the season series victory over the Astros, marking a significant step as they compete for postseason positioning. With the Red Sox holding a 66-55 record, they remain just 1.5 games ahead of the New York Yankees for the third American League wild card spot. The team now prepares for the remainder of this three-game series on the road, with Walker Buehler slated to start against Houston’s Hunter Brown on Wednesday night.
This upcoming series is critical, especially with an important showdown looming at Yankee Stadium, which could determine the fate of Boston’s playoff hopes as the season approaches its final stretch.