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Boston Red Sox: 3 key takeaways from Game 2 of the ALDS

By Jeffrey Stevens

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with J.D. Martinez #28 after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with J.D. Martinez #28 after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck
ST PETERSBURG, FL – OCTOBER 08: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the second inning of game two of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on October 8, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Tanner Houck doesn’t belong in Red Sox bullpen

Tanner Houck came into Game Two with a mess on his hands. The Red Sox had scored their first two runs of the series and were still down 2-5. He took his stance, stared across the plate, and threw like life depended on the outcome. He was exactly what the Red Sox needed in game two.

Houck threw five innings on Friday night. He had just two hits, one of which was a home run. Ok, it happens. Just ask Chris Sale. He also had five strikeouts and was good enough for the Red Sox to swing their way back into the game.

Think about this for a minute. You’re a young bullpen arm on a team that wasn’t projected anywhere near the postseason for 2021. And yet, here you are. Down three runs after your lineup just swung like they were chopping wood in the first inning.

Houck not only needs a long-term contract, but he also needs to be in the starting rotation. He took the mound in a hostile situation and came out looking like a champ. Not just anybody could do that. He made it look easy on Friday night. Yes, the Red Sox were swinging the bat as their life depended on it. Houck didn’t let them down.

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