Grand Slam Powers Boston To A 2-1 Series Lead On Houston

The Boston Red Sox have been serving up more grand slams than your local Denny's. For a second consecutive game, Boston treated themselves to a four-run blast, giving them three grand salamis in the last two games of the ALCS. Kyle Schwarber's Monday night jack aided the Red Sox' 12-3 home win, giving them a 2-1 series lead in a near flawless game.

"Today was as close as we've been to a perfect game, to be honest with you. We pitched well, played great defense, we ran the bases," said Sox manager Alex Cora. "We were very aggressive in a lot of aspects, so tonight is one of those that you feel good about."

Schwarber's second-inning slam was part of a Boston offensive onslaught that had the home team leading 9-0 before Houston could get on the board.

"Offensively, this is the best we've been the whole season, and they're locked in right now," said Cora.

The offensive fireworks had Fenway fans constantly on their toes, anxious to see what's next. They also sent the BoSox into the record books as the first team in MLB history with three grand slams in one postseason series.

"Electrifying. It's unbelievable. You can have a big swing and get four runs in on just that one play — it's huge," said outfielder Alex Verdugo following the game.

"It's one of the best plays in baseball, man. You give up a grand slam, it takes a lot out of you. And just to kind of keep stepping on their neck and adding the pressure, it's huge."

Now it is Houston's turn to play host to an explosion of offense. They trail by only one game and will be hungry to even the series with a win on Tuesday night, something that's not lost on Cora.

"We'll be ready for tomorrow. That's a really good team out there. It's never comfortable with them. We got to be ready."

 

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