Red Sox run up the score

Rookie Roman Anthony lights up the Red Sox offense in a blowout win, drawing early comparisons to legends.

Roman Anthony Joins Elite Company With Performance Vs Astros

Boston's offense exploded for 14 runs in a 14-1 win over the Astros, snapping a three-game skid. Roman Anthony starred, drawing four walks, homering, and scoring four times. His blast came on the eighth pitch of the at-bat off a four-seam fastball and traveled 428 feet to straightaway center. It marked the rookie's fourth homer of the season and the second in two days.

Anthony now has 21 extra-base hits and 32 walks in 52 career games. NESN noted he is the only Red Sox player to reach at least 20 extra-base hits and 25 walks in their first 52 games besides Ted Williams. The homer marked his first instance of back-to-back games with a homer. Tim Healey of the Boston Globe added that the only Red Sox players 21 or younger to homer in back-to-back games are Williams, Rafael Devers, and Tony Conigliaro. The ball would have been a home run in every park except Fenway, underscoring the power on a road night.

Anthony's early pace is thrilling but risky. A rookie rising fast can invite hype that clouds judgment. Boston will need to manage his workload and keep expectations in check as the season stretches on.

Beyond one breakout game, the bigger test is consistency. If Anthony sustains this approach—patient at the plate, aggressive when he swings—he could become a cornerstone for a franchise that needs reliable young help.

Highlights

The rookie's pace will be tested as the season grows longer, but the signs are promising.