The Boston Red Sox lost 8-1 to the Houston Astros on Monday night at Daikin Park. Ranger Suarez allowed four runs across four innings in his Red Sox debut. Lance McCullers Jr. shut Boston’s offense down with seven innings of one-run ball and nine strikeouts.
The lineup managed just four hits on the night, two of them from Wilyer Abreu. The loss marked Boston’s third straight since winning on Opening Day. Through four games, the Red Sox have scored 11 runs and struck out 41 times. The record sits at 1-3.
After the game, Cora addressed the early offensive struggles with a perspective shaped by experience.
Cora Addresses Early Concerns
Alex Cora was asked about the lineup’s slow start and responded by reaching back into his own playing career.
“I think I started my career 0 for 17,” Cora said.
The number was slightly off. Cora actually began 0-for-9 before recording a bunt single in his tenth at-bat. But the point landed. He knows what a cold start feels like and how the pressure builds when the numbers stay low.
His message to the hitters was straightforward. Stay patient. Work the count. Do not chase results that are not there yet. He pointed to Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin as examples of players doing the right things despite the lack of production.
The top four in the lineup, Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, and Contreras, all struggled against Houston. The at-bats were not there. Cora believes they will come.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after striking out during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Suarez’s Tough Red Sox Debut
Suarez did not get the start he envisioned making his first appearance in a Red Sox uniform.
Suarez found himself in immediate trouble. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases before he recorded an out. He limited the damage to one run after Carlos Correa grounded into a double play. But Yordan Alvarez launched a two-run homer in the third and Brice Matthews went deep in the fifth.
Cora noted there were some positives mixed in with the rough spots, highlighting Suarez’s ability to change speeds and generate swings-and-misses. The pitch count was always going to be limited this early in the season. Four innings was within the range the club expected.
Johan Oviedo also struggled in relief. He gave up four runs and six hits across three innings. His fastball velocity had dropped noticeably, averaging two and a half miles per hour below where it sat last season. Jose Altuve tagged him for two solo home runs.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Ranger Suárez #55 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the first inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The One Bright Spot for Boston
Wilyer Abreu continues to be a bright spot for the Red Sox.
He went 2-for-3 with an RBI double on Monday, pushing his early-season numbers to 8-for-16 with two home runs and three doubles. He has struck out just twice in four games.
Abreu has shortened his swing this season and committed to using the whole field rather than pulling everything. The early returns suggest the changes are real.
In a lineup searching for consistency, Abreu has provided it from the start.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 28: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox bats hits a home run in the 9th inning during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Red Sox
Four games into a 162-game season. Cora has seen this before.
The offense will find its footing. Suarez will settle in. Durbin will get his first hit. The early struggles feel loud because the season is young and every at-bat carries outsized weight.
Abreu is already showing what this lineup can look like when things click. The rest will follow. Cora is betting on it.
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