Red Sox 17, Astros 1: Whiplash

Come with me, for a moment, to an alternative universe. In this universe, the first game of the Astros series is not the Paxton-Javier tilt that is marred by so many errors and shaky pitching, but the Tanner Houck-Justin Verlander matchup. This game is, of course, also marred by errors (we’re talking about the 2023 Red Sox here) but it is also tinged with some hope. The Red Sox lose against a generationally great pitcher on a heater, but Tanner Houck shows grit and gumption. All is not lost, though things look bleak.

The second game in this universe is the Adam “Kirk Gibson” Duvall Game. Chris Sale is back on the mound with strikeout stuff. The bullpen locks down the defending champs. And…