The Boston Red Sox arrived at Target Field on Friday with a chance to start their three-game series with the Minnesota Twins on the right foot, but they fell 5-2.
Boston’s starter, Tanner Houck, had trouble with his command throughout the contest, as he wasn’t as dominant as he’s been to start the year. He finished the game allowing four runs on six hits and two walks. However, Houck’s teammates didn’t help in the field, as catcher Reese McGuire threw a ball away on a sacrifice bunt, allowing a run to score in part of a four-run inning for Minnesota.
Naoyuki Uwasawa was the Red Sox’s only other pitcher for the night, and he struggled, allowing one run on two hits and two walks in his two innings. He also allowed two inherited runners to score that were attributed to Houck, including walking in a run on a pitch-clock violation.
Boston’s offense did the pitching staff no favors, recording just four hits and walking just once in the game. Their only runs came on a two-run double by Rafael Devers (2-for-3 with a walk) in the eighth inning, scoring Jarren Duran (1-for-4) and McGuire (0-fo-2). Ceddanne Rafaela (1-for-3) was the only other Red Sox to record a hit.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday, as Boston will look to keep the Twins from taking the series and stop their skid at just two games.
