Here are tonight's Talking Points after the Astros beat the Red Sox, 8-3. Check out the game story here.
BATTER OF THE GAME: Chris Carter
Chris Carter came into Tuesday's game in an 0-for-20 slump and batting just .185, but the Astros slugger was 2-for-3 with a walk on Tuesday, including a two-run home run to turn the Astros two-run lead into a four-run lead. He also scored in the Astros' four-run fifth inning.
STARTERS REPORT: It was the long-anticipated MLB debut for Brian Johnson, and the rookie showed some promise while also showing some inexperience. Johnson stuck to what he was comfortable with, which was his looping curve ball. He had a tough start to the game, allowing a walk, steal, single, then sac fly, but did strike out the side in the third before the 5th inning did him in. Overall, Johnson finished 4.1 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 3 K.
Vincent Velasquez recovered after giving up three runs in the third inning. He finished with 6.0 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 7 K.
BIG PLAY: This is an easy one. The Sox were looking good heading into the bottom of the 5th inning leading 3-1. But Johnson put the first two men on, and with one out and men on the corners, Jake Marisnick (who was on first base) stole second base. Ryan Hanigan attempted to throw him out, but the throw was off the mark and hit Marisnick as he slid into second base. The ball rolled to left field scoring Chris Carter from third base and Marisnick as well, who was able to motor home due to the time it took Hanley Ramirez to get to the ball. That tied the game up - and the Astros went ahead later that inning.
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WHAT I LIKED: Two more hits and an RBI for Xander Bogaerts tonight, as he's now had two hits in four of the team's five games this road trip. He's the only player hitting for them right now. In what appears to be another disappointing season, Bogaerts is certainly a bright light.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: If this was a multiple choice question, the answer would probably be D) All of the above. It's just another awful game for the Sox. And with the loss they now officially have the worst record in the American League and fall 10 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. So if you want to call them dead, you have every right.
WHAT I ALSO DIDN'T LIKE: Jeeze, it's a good thing Dustin Pedroia didn't go on a rehab assignment . . . I love Pedroia's attitude, but he's not helping the team by going 0-for-18 since he's returned to the lineup. The Sox offense has gone silent partially because of it. Xander Bogaerts would love to hit him in if he'd ever get on base.
WHAT'S NEXT: Have no fear, Joe Kelly is here to stop the bleeding! That is assuming the Sox haven't already bled out. It was announced earlier on Tuesday that Kelly would get the nod on Wednesday. If nothing else, it'll at least be interesting to see how he does after some time in the minors.
Collin McHugh (10-5, 4.35 ERA) takes the mound for the Astros.