Tanner Houck pitched a three-hitter with nine strikeouts, securing Boston’s first complete-game shutout at Fenway Park in nearly seven years. The Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 on Wednesday night.
Connor Wong hit a home run in the fourth inning, following Boston’s first run scored on a balk by Cleveland starter Ben Lively.
Houck threw 69 of 94 pitches for strikes in his first career complete game, which lasted just 1 hour, 49 minutes. It was the fastest nine-inning game in the majors since June 2, 2010.
“It’s one of those rare nights where everything clicks,” said Houck. “You feel like you’re in complete control on the mound, blessed to help the team win.”
Houck walked none and finished one strikeout shy of his season high. The 27-year-old right-hander now has a 1.35 ERA after four starts in his fifth big league season.
“That was an outstanding performance,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “Every pitch didn’t throw anything over the heart of the plate. Just tip your cap.”
It was Boston’s first complete-game shutout since June 6, 2022, and the first at home since May 27, 2017.
“Just throwing strikes with good stuff,” said Boston manager Alex Cora. “He was good.” Wong’s home run came off Lively with two outs in the fourth.
