Astros roll at Fenway, but Sox on cusp of clinch

The offensively surging Astros rolled into Fenway Park and knocked around their potential ALDS opponent, riding an early burst of offense en route to a 12-2 thumping over the Red Sox in Thursday’s opener of a four-game series. But even in defeat, there was a positive development for the Red Sox. The Yankees suffered a 9-6 loss to the Rays, putting Boston’s magic number at one for winning the AL East with three games left.