Boston’s power display three HRs by Gonzalez, Story & Toro and tense dugout drama after Héctor Neris’ intentional balk highlight the Red Sox 7‑3 win over Houston in Astros vs Red Sox game. Check full game recap, standings impact, Red Sox schedule, Neris saga and what’s next in the AL East race.
🏟 Astros vs Red Sox Summary: 3‑7 Win
Boston extended its win streak to four games capturing the first two of the three game series against the Houston Astros. Solo homers from Romy Gonzalez, Trevor Story (two‑run) and Abraham Toro powered the Red Sox offense.
Houston responded with a Christian Walker two‑run homer but the lead slipped away as Colton Gordon allowed six runs across four innings.
🔥 Power Surge & Key Moments
- Gonzalez blasted the first pitch homer over Fenway’s Green Monster.
- Story in his first multi extra base stretch since returning to regular play, crushed a two run homer and added an RBI double.
- Toro clobbered a big two run homer in the fourth to extend the lead.
Collectively Boston tallied 10 hits with Reynaela, Refsnyder & Story each delivering two hit games.
Houston had 14 hits yet stranded 14 runners going just 2 for 11 with RISP highlighting their inefficiency.
🚨 Hector Neris & Bench-Clearing Drama
Astros reliever Héctor Neris intentionally balked to advance runner Trevor Story with two outs in the 7th reportedly believing Story was relaying signs. After retiring the batter Neris exchanged heated words with Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson triggering both dugouts to empty briefly.
Neris downplayed it postgame:
“Nothing. It’s part of the game … Something funny… Maybe yes maybe no” regarding sign‑stealing suspicion.
Ambiguity but the crowd erupted amid history of Astros’ past controversies. No ejections resulted.
Manager Joe Espada later said he would ask Neris directly about what happened.
Neris rejoined the Astros July 5 and had just five recent appearances before Saturday.
📊 AL East Stakes & Standings Impact
As of August 2:
- Boston is 61–51 second in the AL East, trailing Toronto (65–47) by 4 games.
- The Yankees occupy the second Wild Card spot level with Boston at 60–51.
This series boosts Boston’s playoff positioning and morale heading into Sunday’s early matinee matchup.
🧷 Red Sox Rotation Blow: Houck Out
The Red Sox season took another blow as Tanner Houck a former frontline starter was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery. Other injured starters include Hunter Dobbins (ACL tear) and Kutter Crawford (wrist). Manager Alex Cora cited confidence in their depth despite the rotation strain.
🔁 Series Recap: Friday Walk‑Off & Saturday Power
- Game 1 (Fri): Boston walked off the Astros 2‑1 in extra innings via Roman Anthony’s single scoring automatic runner Wilyer Abreu.
- Starting pitchers Cooper Criswell and Hunter Brown each allowed just one run over 7 strong innings.
- Astros loading the bases in the 10th but Trevor Story’s throw home preserved the edge.
- Debuting Carlos Correa went 0 for 4 while Jeremy Peña had three hits but exited with cramps.
- With the win Boston climbed to 9 games over .500.
📈 Player Spotlight & Team Momentum
- Trevor Story returned to form: four home runs in four games after injury and his 18th of season came with a clutch RBI double.
- Christian Walker homered twice in two games showing consistency despite offensive drought.
- Boston’s bullpen combined for 4⅔ scoreless innings Saturday including strong work from Justin Wilson (win) and Aroldis Chapman (20th save).
Welcome back to Sox Season. pic.twitter.com/inj0eMrSbn
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 18, 2025
🔍 Hector Neris Background
- Neris returned to Houston on July 5 after stints with the Cubs, Braves and Angels.
- Career: 107 saves career ERA ~3.44 known for a high usage splitter.
His balk and confrontation Saturday highlight the tight playoff-state tension and media attention given Astros’ past sign stealing scandals.
🔧 Preview: Sunday Matinee & Rotation Matchups
- Game 3 (Sun): Lucas Giolito (Red Sox) vs. Framber Valdez (Astros) early start at 11:35 a.m. ET.
- Boston aims for sweep to solidify AL East position, Houston fights to stay atop AL West.
Broadcast: national coverage via MLB Network, TV streaming on ROKU/WEEI, Spanish radio on 93.3 FM.