With Chris Sale pitching just 2 2/3 innings in Game 1 of the ALCS, the Red Sox relied heavily on their bullpen in Friday’s 5-4 loss to the Astros.
The Red Sox’ ace got tabbed to start Game 1 after arguably having two of the worst starts of his career, including his Game 2 performance in the ALDS where he allowed five runs in just one inning.
The first two innings of Friday’s game showed some signs that Sale’s slump would continue. He walked Astros leadoff hitter Jose Altuve to start the game and allowed a single to Alex Bregman two hitters later.