The Boston Red Sox entered Monday night's matchup with the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum coming off of a split series with the Seattle Mariners and Tanner Houck on the bump.
In 2023, Houck struggled as a full-time starter, putting up a 5.01 ERA in 21 starts.
However, the 28-year-old was lights out on Monday, throwing six scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and striking out 10.
Veteran reliever Chase Anderson, who the Red Sox signed almost two weeks ago, pitched three scoreless innings of one-hit ball to earn a save and seal the 9-0 victory for Boston.
The Red Sox offense was potent, and they got some help from the five errors that the A's committed in the field.
Outfielder Jarren Duran, out of the leadoff spot, went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three stolen bases. He became the first player in team history to steal five bases in their first five games of a season.
Shortstop Trevor Story went 1-for-4 with a two-RBI double. Centerfielder Ceddanne Rafaela drove in two runs (0-for-3) while designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (1-for-3) and first baseman Triston Casas (2-for-4) both drove in one.
The two teams will face off again Tuesday night for the second game of the series, which could give Boston their first series win of the season.
