Benches and bullpens cleared after the seventh inning because Astros relief pitcher Hector Neris thought Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story was stealing signs as he stood on second base. Neris intentionally balked Story to third so he could get off second base and presumably stop looking at his grip and communicating to the plate.

After Astros RHP Hector Neris intentionally balked Trevor Story in the seventh inning, he got into a heated exchange with Red Sox 3B coach Kyle Hudson.

Trevor Story’s two-run home run in the third gave the Sox the lead. It hit the top of the Plymouth Rock sign and sailed off onto Lansdowne Street, but I also loved the way Story licked his lips as he watched it go. Tasty.