UNDATED (AP) — The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays were winners in the first two AL Division Series games. The Astros coasted to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox before the Rays blanked the Boston Red Sox, 5-0.
Houston’s Lance McCullers was sharp over 6 2/3 innings, blanking the Sox on four hits and no walks. The 28-year-old McCullers didn’t allow a hit until Yoán Moncada singled with one out in the fourth.
Yordan Alvarez hit an RBI double in the third and a solo homer in the fifth. Michael Brantley added two hits and two RBIs for the AL West champions.
The Astros got to Lance Lynn for five runs and six hits over just 3 2/3 innings.
Jose Abreu had two hits and an RBI for the White Sox.
Game 2 is Friday in Houston. Lucas Giolito starts for Chicago against Framber Valdez.
In St. Petersburg, Wander Franco put Tampa Bay ahead with an RBI double in the first and scored on an RBI single by Yandy Diaz later in the inning. Randy Arozarena add a solo homer and stole home.
Nelson Cruz also went deep for the Rays.
The Red Sox loaded the bases against J.P Feyereisen in the eighth inning before the Tampa reliever fanned Rafael Devers and retired Hunter Renfroe on a popup for the final out.
Rays starter and winner Shane McClanahan allowed five hits and no walks over five innings.
Losing pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, two hits and two walks.
Game 2 is Friday in St. Petersburg. Pitcher Chris Sale will try to help the Red Sox even the series. Rookie Shane Baz will start for Tampa Bay.
