Astros fall to Red Sox 7-3 on Aug 3, 2025, despite the return of Carlos Correa & Jeremy Peña. See how the new-look lineup fared in their Fenway debut.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the day Astros fans have been circling on their calendars. Not just another game in Boston, but the grand return of Jeremy Peña and the highly-anticipated reunion with Carlos Correa. The lineup card looked like a mid-season fantasy draft, sparking hope of an offensive juggernaut. But Fenway Park had other plans, as the Astros dropped a chippy 7-3 contest to the Red Sox, a stark reminder that even the most talented rosters need time to click.
With the bases loaded and the game on the line in the eighth, all eyes were on the returning Carlos Correa, who ultimately struck out looking to end the threat.
The pre-game news was a flurry of activity that signaled a clear 'win-now' mentality from the front office. Jeremy Peña, whose .322/.378/.489 slash line was sorely missed, was activated after over a month on the IL with a rib fracture. And then there was the big one: Carlos Correa, reacquired at the deadline, was officially active and slated to play third base while wearing a new No. 1 jersey. The team also welcomed trade acquisitions Jesús Sánchez and Ramón Urías. To make room, top prospects Brice Matthews and Jacob Melton were optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land—a tough but necessary move to accommodate the influx of veteran talent.
Unfortunately, the on-field debut of the new-look lineup didn't match the pre-game hype. Starter Colton Gordon struggled, allowing six runs in just four-plus innings as the Red Sox launched three home runs. Christian Walker continued his hot streak, smashing a two-run homer in the first for the second straight game, but the offense went quiet after that. The Astros' best chance came in the eighth when they loaded the bases, but a crucial strikeout by Correa ended the rally and sealed their fate.
The team's frustration boiled over in the seventh inning when reliever Héctor Neris exchanged words with the Red Sox dugout, causing both benches and bullpens to empty onto the field. While the situation de-escalated without any punches thrown, it was a flash of the competitive fire this team possesses. It was a clear sign that even in a loss, this Astros squad won't back down from a fight, a trait they'll need for the stretch run.
Saturday was a whirlwind of emotions—the thrill of a reloaded roster followed by the sting of a tough loss. But it's just one game. The real test begins now. With Framber Valdez taking the mound for the series finale on Sunday, the Astros have a chance to immediately bounce back and show what this revamped squad is truly capable of. Integrating Correa, Peña, and the other new pieces will be the key to the next two months, and it all starts with trying to salvage a win in Boston.
