Astros vs. Red Sox: Houston ties the series after 9-2 win over Boston

BOSTON, Massachusetts (KTRK) — The Houston Astros redeemed themselves with a 9-2 win over the Red Sox in Game 4 of the ALCS. The series is now tied 2-2.

Here’s a breakdown of the things you need to know if you want to keep up with the series, as well as the Astros watch parties at Minute Maid Park.

Astros fall into 2-1 series deficit

Fans, if your dreams recently have contained Red Sox fly balls leaving the ballpark with bases loaded, you are not alone.

After an ALCS Game 3 that saw Houston once again give up an early grand slam in back-to-back games, the club had the misfortune of having to turn to a now-overworked bullpen.

“It’s kind of like ‘Groundhog Day,’ a reoccurring nightmare where you hope to get some innings out of these guys,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said after his team dropped Game 3, 12-3, Monday night.

Thanks to a number of factors, including using Jake Odorizzi to take over for Luis Garcia in Game 2, Baker is turning to Zack Greinke as his Game 4 starter Tuesday night.

However, the health of Greinke, who will pitch just two days shy from turning 38, will be something to pay close attention.

Greinke is coming off two stints on the injured list last month, one for a positive COVID-19 test and another for neck soreness. He’s thrown 49 big league pitches in two total outings over the past four weeks, giving up five home runs in his last 12 1/3 innings.

And he hasn’t gotten an out in the sixth inning since Aug. 23.

“Haven’t gone real deep recently, but we’ll just see what happens,” Greinke said. “We’ll be ready, and we’ll go from there.”

Baker also expects to use Cristian Javier, whose last action was in Game 1 over two innings of work.

Greinke will face Boston’s Nick Pivetta, who pitched twice in relief in the AL Division Series. The right-hander’s last start was on Sept. 30 in a losing effort.

Here’s a breakdown of the series so far and the series ahead (* – if necessary):

2021 AL Championship Series results and schedule

• Game 1: Astros 5, Red Sox 4
• Game 2: Red Sox 9, Astros 5
• Game 3: Red Sox 12, Astros 3
• Game 4: Astros 9, Red Sox 2
• Game 5: Wednesday at Boston, 4:08 p.m.
• Game 6*: Friday at Houston, 7:08 p.m.
• Game 7*: Saturday at Houston, 7:08 p.m.

Revisiting history?

It’s worth noting that the Red Sox claimed the AL pennant over the Astros by winning four in a row in the 2018 ALCS after Houston won Game 1. This is a spot that may play out again.

Of course, who can forget the 2020 ALCS? Houston was down 0-3 to Tampa Bay before winning three games in a row to force Game 7 in a series that was played seven days in a row with no days off and no crowd.

Who pitched Game 4 to begin that comeback bid? Zack Greinke.

Bottom line, ‘Stros fans. This series ain’t over yet.

Watch parties at Minute Maid Park continue tonight

For better or worst, the party will keep going for Astros fans here in Houston.

Minute Maid Park’s seats and giant scoreboard are being offered today and tomorrow to watch the team battle it out at Fenway Park.

The watch parties also offer live music, food trucks, yard games, and photo opportunities, among other amenities.

In order to get in, you’ll need to buy vouchers at $1 each. Seating is general admission in the lower bowl.

Fans can begin entering the watch parties about two hours before first pitch at the south home plate, left field and center field gates.

All proceeds from voucher sales benefit the Astros Foundation. Links to get a voucher and the opening times are below.

Astros Watch Party schedule

• Game 4: Today at 5 p.m., with first pitch at 7:08 p.m.
• Game 5: Wednesday at 2 p.m., with first pitch at 4:08 p.m.