Red Sox season ends with a loss in game 6 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros. Before this series started, I wrote an article on this match-up. To read more about my earlier predictions; be sure to check out my Red Sox Defeat Rays to Advance to the ALCS post.
Red Sox Season Ends with a Loss
In Game 1, I felt the Red Sox should have won; however, they lost by a score of 5 – 4. In Game 2, the Red Sox evened the series by defeating the Astros with a score of 9 – 5.
When the season returned to Boston for Games 3, 4, and 5; I thought the Red Sox had a really good shot to beat the Astros. In Game 3, the Red Sox won by a score of 12 – 3.
In Game 4, the Sox were up with a score of 2 – 1 until the 8th inning. And, in the 8th inning, the Astros tied up the score. So, I went to sleep and was surprised when I woke up the next morning to see they lost 9 – 2. When I saw the highlights; I knew the momentum shifted to the Astros. Sure enough, the Astros took Games 4 and 5 and now had the advantage 3 games to 2.
With the Red Sox back in Houston for Game 6; the bats went cold for the third night in a row. From the beginning, the Astros had a no-hitter until the 6th inning. And, the Astros continued to pile on runs winning Game 6 with a score of 5 – 0.
The Astros were the Better Team
Since the Astros have been in the playoffs for the last 5 years; it wasn’t a surprise to me that this team had the right players to win the ALCS.
In fact, even with two out, the Astros were able to get it done at the plate. Not only did their hitters tack on a lot of runs; but they also have a great catcher who was able to get the pitcher to throw the ball where he wanted.
So, the outcome – too many balls chased out of the strike zone, and double plays.
At the end of this series, the Red Sox just weren’t able to get it done on offense, defense, and with their pitching.
Meanwhile, Alex Cora has a lot to be proud of after being suspended for a year. Cora was able to get a lot out of his players and had them playing great baseball through most of the season. Alex Cora told the players how proud he was of the team.
Though the team wasn’t able to advance to the World Series; there was a lot of doubt on this team before the season even started. To read more on my thoughts before the season started; be sure to visit my 2021 Boston Red Sox Team Predictions – How Will the Team Perform post.
2022 and Beyond
Of course, this year’s team exceeded expectations. Even one of the Red Sox Owners, John Henry said the team was ahead of schedule in 2021. With that being said; what can Red Sox Nation expect in 2022 and beyond?
When the 2022 season begins, the one thing that should be the same is the offense. Both Xander Bogarts and Rafael Devers are set for next year; However, like any year in sports, there are many players who can opt-out such as J.D. Martinez,
And, there are several players who were signed for only 1 year; who could have a role as a utility player. Also, Kyle Schwarber was signed at the trade deadline. Though he would like to stay with the team; questions remain on what position he could play. Obviously, first base is not a natural fit for Schwarber.
Indeed, one of the biggest areas the team needs to improve in is both their starting pitcher and relievers. A year after Chris Sale’s Tommy John surgery; will he return to form next year?
Because Chaim Bloom was successful in building the Tampa Bay Rays; will he be aggressive in the off-season? Or, will the team take a step back?
As always, I welcome your comments on the Red Sox season ends with a loss in the ALCS.
