Tanner Houck’s 28th birthday didn’t quite go as planned Saturday.
The Red Sox’ starting pitcher tossed his shortest start all season (4 1/3 innings), allowing a career-high three home runs and eight runs total to the San Diego Padres. Houck virtually handed the Padres a win — and the series — in his worst start of the year.
He entered the day having given up just two home runs through 16 starts in 2024. Houck hadn’t allowed a homer since June 6; prior to that, he hadn’t given one up since April 12, his third start of the season.