Fansided

Why did Alex Cora pull Tanner Houck with a perfect game?

By Mark Powell

Sep 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitching coach Dave Bush (second from left) visits the mound to speak with relief pitcher Tanner Houck (89) during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitching coach Dave Bush (second from left) visits the mound to speak with relief pitcher Tanner Houck (89) during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora pulled Tanner Houck in the middle of a potential perfect game. Why would he make that call?

Every game matters right now for the Red Sox, and Cora trusts his bullpen more than Houck the third time through the Nationals batting order.

Not to mention, Houck was due up at the plate due to the fact the Red Sox are playing in Washington — a National League park — to end the season. We can cry about the lack of DH consistency all we want, but for now Cora didn’t want to ask Houck to hit again in a critical situation.

Red Sox: Did Alex Cora have to pull Tanner Houck?

Surely not. Houck was only 55 pitches deep and had yet to allow a baserunner. With the Red Sox only up a run, was there any evidence to suggest the bullpen would be more reliable?

Cora is being extremely careful with Houck, who perhaps lacks the experience to know what true playoff pressure is. But, as we saw through five innings, maybe that’s a good thing?

The advanced stats back up that Houck is far worse against any lineup the third time through. Cora trusts his bullpen. ‘Nough said.

We’ll see if it comes back to haunt Boston.

Joe West screws over Red Sox with all-time bad call (Video). dark. Next

As baseball fans, we all remember our firsts. Whether it’s the first game we attended, the first jersey we purchased or our team’s first World Series win. This summer, Woodbridge Wines, FanSided and some of your favorite baseball stars want to help you celebrate your baseball fan firsts. Check out this video from Adam Jones talking about his own baseball first and then share your own stories by visiting https://woodbridgevideocontest.dja.com/index for your chance to meet Adam Jones himself!”
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 21 or older. Starts 10:00 AM (ET) on August 2, 2021 and ends 11:59 PM (ET) on September 30, 2021. The Woodbridge Video Contest is sponsored by Constellation Brands, Inc. No alcohol awarded with prizes. Void where prohibited. For complete details, see Official Rules at WoodbridgeVideoContest.dja.com. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA

Home/Boston Red Sox