Correa’s three-run blast powers Astros past Red Sox in Houston

HOUSTON, April 1, 2026 – Sometimes in baseball, one swing can determine everything. On Wednesday night at Daikin Park, Carlos Correa provided exactly that moment, launching a three-run home run in the fifth inning that proved to be the decisive blow in the Houston Astros‘ 6-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox. The blast, which came off Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet, essentially settled a game that had been competitive but never fully resolved in Boston’s favor.

The Astros struck first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning before the Red Sox could even mount a serious threat. Isaac Paredes doubled to center field with Yordan Alvarez on base, followed by Christian Walker’s sharp single that plated Paredes. It was the kind of early offensive punch that sets a tone, and Houston was clearly ready to play from the opening pitch. The Red Sox answered with Willson Contreras’ RBI single in the top of the second, but that would prove insufficient against the Astros’ methodical assault.

Crochet, despite striking out seven batters through five innings, simply could not escape trouble. His walks and hit batsmen created traffic on the bases that the Astros capitalized on with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, Mike Burrows pitched effectively for Houston, scattering five hits over five innings while fanning six and allowing only two earned runs. The pitching matchup favored Houston, and the results proved it.

Astros’ bats break through in decisive fifth

Correa’s three-run homer in the fifth made it 5-2 Astros, a lead that would prove insurmountable despite Boston’s late-game heroics. The Dominican shortstop, who finished with four at-bats and three RBIs, showed why he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the league when given fastballs to attack. Christian Vazquez added another solo shot in the seventh, stretching Houston’s advantage to four runs and seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Not to be outdone, the Red Sox mounted a credible comeback attempt in the final innings. Wilyer Abreu, who had two hits on the night, belted a solo homer in the eighth to make it 6-3. Roman Anthony, presumably a young talent looking to make an impression, followed with his own solo shot in the ninth inning, narrowing the gap to just one run. For a moment, the Red Sox had life, even with closer Bryan Abreu entering the game.

Abreu closes it out as Astros extend streak

But Bryan Abreu was not to be denied. The Astros’ closer struck out Trevor Story on what appeared to be the final pitch of the night, earning the save and sending Houston to its fifth consecutive victory. The bullpen piece struck out three batters in just one inning of work, showcasing the kind of dominance you need in tight situations.

This loss stings for Boston, which had the bases loaded early but could not capitalize on scoring opportunities. Crochet’s performance, while statistically decent on the strikeout front, ultimately proved costly in the decision. The Red Sox needed better execution and fewer baserunners allowed, neither of which materialized on Wednesday night. Houston simply played the more complete game, particularly in the middle innings when Correa’s homer changed the entire complexion of the contest.