BOSTON — David Price worked hard over the past week to fix a glitch in his mechanics he felt held him back during some recent starts.
If Thursday’s effort against the Astros is any indication, he’s well on his way to regaining his mojo.
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WHO: Astros (McCullers 0-0) at Red Sox (Wright 3-3)
WHEN: 7:10 p.m. Friday
TV: NESN
Price struck out 12, Mookie Betts hit a three-run homer and Xander Bogaerts had a two-run shot to help the Boston Red Sox beat the Houston Astros 11-1 on Thursday night for their season-high fifth straight win.
“I allowed myself to get into my power position,” Price said. “It’s something I’ve worked on for the last four days leading up to this start. It was a big key for me and it helped out a lot.”
Jackie Bradley Jr. singled twice and extended his hitting streak to 18 games, tying the longest streak in the major leagues this season. Bogaerts had three RBI.
Thursday was supposed to be all about the first matchup between reigning Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel and Price, last year’s runner-up.
Boston’s bats ensured Price (5-1) easily took this one. He rallied after a slow start and allowed a season-low one run over 62/3 innings, dropping his ERA to 6.00.
Price registered as high as 95 mph on his fastball and also had his change-up and curveball working. He said the refinement of his delivery certainly played a role in increased velocity.
“It’s definitely a part of it,” he said. “Just allowing my leg to get where I’ve always done it. That’s a big thing.”
Manager John Farrell liked what he saw.
“Just a better delivery. Better stuff,” he said.
Keuchel (2-5) gave up 10 hits and eight runs. He has allowed five or more earned runs in four of his last five starts, something he did only three times last year.
“Five runs on two swings, that’ll do you in,” he said. “Especially with a pretty good pitcher over there. I know he’s been scuffling, but he figured it out tonight. It’s just disappointing because I’ve been feeling better and I know the team’s been looking to me to do some good.”
The night started out with mixed results for Price. He gave up two singles to open the game but struck out six batters over the first two innings.
Houston threatened early despite coming off a 16-inning win against Cleveland on Wednesday night. The Astros were positioned for big innings but left five runners on base over the first three innings with only one run.
As they have in recent games, Price’s teammates had his back offensively.
Bogaerts hit his two-run blast over the Green Monster in the first inning. Bradley then extended his streak with an RBI single up the middle in the second inning that put the Sox up 3-1.
Since April 11, Boston has outscored opponents 40-11 in the opening inning and has hit 28 homers in its last 17 games. The Red Sox also have hit home runs in 13 straight games.
NOTES: Farrell said there isn’t a scheduled date for the next rehab start for RHP Joe Kelly (right shoulder impingement). There also hasn’t been discussion of when he might rejoin the major league squad. Farrell expects to sit down with Kelly in the next few days to make that determination. … LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (right patella subluxation) is scheduled for his fourth rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday.
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