Boston Red Sox: Top 5 performances from a victorious ALDS series

No. 4: Tanner Houck’s five huge innings in Game 2

It’s safe to say that ten innings into this series, things weren’t looking good for Boston. After getting shut out in Game 1, the team found themselves down 5-2 after just one inning in Game 2, which resulted in their top starter, Chris Sale, getting knocked out of the game earlier than expected. Tanner Houck was summoned from the bullpen, and he did not disappoint.

Houck came up huge for the Sox, and kept them in a game that very easily could have gotten away from them. He got through five innings while only giving up two hits and one run while striking out five. When Houck entered the game, the score was 5-2 Tampa; when he left, it was 9-6 Boston.

That right there highlights the impact of Houck’s standout performance. This game had the potential to go off the rails for the Sox, but Houck came in and held down the fort admirably. He gave Boston the chance to make their way back into the game, and it ended up resulting in a huge victory for the Sox.

In a bullpen that has struggled to find consistent pitching all season long, Houck has quickly emerged as one of manager Alex Cora’s top options. Sure, he struggled a bit in Game 4, giving up an untimely two run home run to Franco, but Houck still managed to get out of the inning, which is something some of his peers cannot say. Houck was mightily important against Tampa, and he will continue to be as long as this team is playing baseball this season.