With second baseman Jose Altuve leading the way with a curtain-call-inducing three-homer performance, the Astros rocked Sale and the Red Sox and slugged their way to an 8-2 win in Game 1 of the American League Division Series presented by Doosan.
The Red Sox have lost four straight playoff games dating back to last season's ALDS sweep at the hands of the Indians. Game 2 between the Astros and Red Sox is set for 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT Friday at Minute Maid Park.
Brian McTaggart has covered the Astros since 2004, and for MLB.