Red Sox Swept by Astros as Crochet Struggles in Series Finale

Boston's ace allows 5 runs in 5 innings as Houston completes 3-game sweep

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:18am

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The Boston Red Sox dropped the series finale against the Houston Astros 6-4 on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep. Starter Garrett Crochet had a rough outing, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 hits over 5 innings as the Red Sox fell to 1-5 on the young season.

Why it matters

The Red Sox were hoping to end their 4-game losing streak and get back on track, but instead they were swept by the Astros, continuing their struggles out of the gate. This early-season slump raises concerns about the team's ability to compete in the AL East this year.

The details

The Red Sox jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning on an RBI single by Willson Contreras, but Crochet couldn't hold the lead. He gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st, including a costly error by Trevor Story. Boston tied it in the 2nd but Crochet struggled again in the 5th, surrendering a 3-run homer to Carlos Correa that put the game out of reach. The Red Sox bullpen also struggled, with Danny Coulombe allowing a solo shot to Christian Vázquez. Boston did mount a late comeback attempt, with home runs from Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony, but it wasn't enough.

  • The Red Sox dropped the series finale against the Astros on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The loss completed a 3-game sweep for the Astros over the Red Sox.

The players

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox left-handed ace, who struggled in his start, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) over 5 innings.

Willson Contreras

The Red Sox cleanup hitter who drove in the team's first run with an RBI single in the 1st inning.

Trevor Story

The Red Sox infielder who committed a costly error that contributed to the Astros' 2-run 1st inning.

Carlos Correa

The Astros slugger who hit a 3-run home run off Crochet in the 5th inning to break the game open.

Christian Vázquez

The former Red Sox catcher who hit a solo home run off Danny Coulombe to extend the Astros' lead.

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What they’re saying

“It's embarrassing. And typically in the past, I've played that stopper role. And today I just let the guys down, especially when we scratched one (run) early in the first. And then for me to give it right back and then ultimately give them the lead at the bottom of the first, it's not acceptable.”

— Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Pitcher

“Not good, not good. We talk about cleaning up a lot of stuff, putting the ball in play, playing good defense, running the bases better, and overall this whole week wasn't great.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“We're about to go home, and I expect us to have a better response once we get there, especially with an off day to really sit on this, sit on these tough times. But today I felt like we made the adjustment. Ultimately, it was me that kind of screwed the game up for us.”

— Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Pitcher

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to regroup during an off day on Thursday before hosting the San Diego Padres in their home opener on Friday.

The takeaway

This series sweep at the hands of the Astros highlights the Red Sox's early-season struggles, with their ace Garrett Crochet unable to hold an early lead. The team will need to make significant improvements in all facets of the game if they hope to compete in the tough AL East division.