## Red Sox Sweep Astros in Dominant Six-Run Fourth Inning

**Boston Explodes for Six Runs Behind Houston Errors in Series Finale**

BOSTON — Trevor Story and Ceddanne Rafaela delivered consecutive RBI singles as part of a six-run fourth inning fueled by five Houston mistakes, propelling the Boston Red Sox to a 6-1 victory over the Astros on Sunday. This decisive win completed a series sweep for Boston, marking their third straight triumph over the AL West leaders and fourth consecutive victory overall.

Lucas Giolito turned in a masterful performance, pitching a season-high eight stellar innings.  He surrendered only one run on three hits while striking out four and walking one, surpassing his previous best of 7 2/3 innings achieved on July 4th. 

Connor Correa, acquired by Houston at the trade deadline, provided the lone highlight for the Astros with a home run. However, the team continues to struggle, dropping eight of their last ten games.

The early start time of 11:38 a.m. EDT marked the third instance this season where the Red Sox began a game in the morning, following similar occasions during Patriots' Day and Independence Day.

Framber Valdez (11-5) suffered his first loss since May 19th, ending his impressive 10-game winning streak. He gave up six runs, four earned, over six innings, shattering his previous ERA of 1.84 across his last 14 starts.


**Turning Point:**

The fourth inning proved pivotal as Houston's defensive miscues proved costly. A missed cutoff on Story's run-scoring single, a wild pitch, a balk allowing a run to score, and an error on Abreu's bunt under Valdez's glove contributed to the Red Sox’s explosive inning. Yainer Diaz also added a passed ball during this chaotic sequence.

**Key Stat:**

Valdez hadn't allowed three runs in an inning since May 19th.

**Next Up:**

* **Astros:** RHP Jason Alexander (1-1, 7.36 ERA) is scheduled to start the opener of a three-game series against the Marlins on Monday.
* **Red Sox:**  RHP Brayan Bello (7-5, 3.19) will take the mound for the first game of a three-game series against the Royals on Monday.






## Red Sox Sweep Astros in Dominant Six-Run Fourth Inning

**Boston Explodes for Six Runs Behind Houston Errors in Series Finale**

BOSTON — Trevor Story and Ce

Top of the Morning: Red Sox beat sloppy Astros 6-1 behind Lu

Top of the Morning: Red Sox beat sloppy Astros 6-1 behind Lucas Giolito’s stellar start

## Yankees Make Roster Moves: Stroman Released After Trade Deadline Frenzy

**Miami -** In a surprising turn of events following a busy trade deadline, the New York Yankees have released veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman. This move came just ahead of Friday's series opener against the Miami Marlins. 

Stroman, in his 11th MLB season, was cut as part of a series of roster changes made after Thursday's flurry of trades. The Yankees acquired All-Star relievers David Bednar and Camilo Doval, along with utilityman José Caballero. To make room for these new additions, right-handers Ian Hamilton and Yerry de los Santos were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

**Stroman's Contract and Injury History**

The release of Stroman comes despite him signing a two-year, $37 million contract with the Yankees before last season. He is still owed the remaining $18.5 million of his salary.  Stroman has an $18 million conditional player option for 2026 that would be exercised if he pitches 140 or more innings in 2025.

His time with the Yankees this season has been hampered by a left knee inflammation that sidelined him for two and a half months. In his nine starts, Stroman holds a 3-2 record and a 6.23 ERA.  


He most recently pitched against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, securing a win despite allowing four runs and six hits over five innings.


## Yankees Make Roster Moves: Stroman Released After Trade Deadline Frenzy

**Miami -** In a surprising turn of events following a busy trade deadline, the New 

Hardballtalk News

Top of the Morning: Red Sox beat sloppy Astros 6-1 behind Lucas Giolito’s stellar start

Yankees release veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman after a busy trade deadline