With higher standards, Houck disappointed despite quality start

CLEVELAND -- Six days after throwing his unforgettable “Maddux” against the Guardians, Red Sox righty Tanner Houck was back out there against the same team, albeit on the road this time and in much more challenging weather conditions.

There was no “Maddux” (a shutout in less than 100 pitches) Tuesday, but still another positive step in the progression of the vastly improved Houck.

The righty went six-plus innings, giving up five hits and two runs while walking three and striking out four, albeit in a 4-1 loss for the Red Sox.

For the second straight start, Houck pitched into the seventh inning.

“He did an amazing job,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Like I told him today, [the starters are] earning the right to go deep into games. There’s no baby gloves here. He was throwing the ball well. “

Houck had the slightest of leads at 1-0 when he took the ball to start the seventh and was quickly touched up for a double by Will Brennan, a game-tying single by Tyler Freeman and a walk. And that was the end of his night.

“A [splitter] that he hung,” said Cora. “A slider down the middle. That was it. Overall, another great outing.”

Perhaps the most telling thing from Houck’s postgame remarks is that he wasn’t satisfied with the performance. His standards are higher this season and they should be, when you consider he has a 1.65 ERA through five starts.

“All in all, it was an OK start,” said Houck. “I think that my 0-2 pitches and putaway pitches weren’t as well executed as last time.”

Getting to the seventh inning again was a source of satisfaction for the 27-year-old, but not getting an out in that seventh was a source of disappointment.

“That was the goal, being able to pitch deeper into games this year and to see lineups three times,” said Houck. “But with that being said, I want to go out there and finish the seven and put us in the best position to win. Too many walks as well. Three walks is unacceptable, one of them being a four-pitch walk. Still stuff to work on, still stuff to grow with. It’s forever about getting better and pushing yourself.”

The respect for Houck is also growing on the other side of the field.

“The only thing I can say is his splitter wasn’t as sharp tonight. It looked like he was having trouble being consistent with it. But he was still unbelievable,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.

“The way he can spin the ball, and then uses his sinker to keep everybody off of the spin is great. He’s one of the elite pitchers. We’re very fortunate that we were able to stay in the game and get to him, finally.”

Abreu stays hot
The Red Sox will be without the big left-handed bat of Triston Casas for weeks, if not months, as the club officially announced Tuesday he has a left rib fracture.

That increases the need for others to step up, and Wilyer Abreu seems primed to do just that. The rookie left-handed hitter belted a solo shot to right to break a scoreless tie in the top of the seventh. It was the fourth straight game Abreu has given the Red Sox the lead, and he’s been on base his last 11 games, hitting .361 (13-for-36) with seven extra-base hits while drawing seven walks over that span.

“He was long the first two pitches, then he got back into the at-bat and he was short on a fastball inside,” said Cora. “There's a reason he’s playing. We’re going to keep talking about this kid because he’s good. His approach is really good. He understands what he needs to do at the plate to be successful. He's a good defender. ... He's a good baserunner. He’s a good player.”

This is a different Abreu than the guy who started the season 2-for-18 with nine strikeouts. The difference was when Cora declared he was going to start playing against all right-handed starters.

“Yeah, obviously, it helps a lot to know that you're going play every day. You get into a rhythm and and that's what you want,” Abreu said. “If I’m in that lineup, I'm going to be productive for the team. That's what I'm trying to do and that's what I'm looking for.”