BOSTON — As a swingman who has been up and down from the minor leagues several times this season, Cooper Criswell’s job is to be ready when he’s called upon.
When the team needs him, it’s Criswell’s job to provide multiple innings, or, as was the case Friday night, a spot start.
Technically, Friday was supposed to be Garrett Crochet’s turn to pitch. But the Red Sox made a decision last week to give their ace some extra rest while they can and moved his start to Tuesday.
With Richard Fitts optioned on the recent road trip and opening a temporary spot in the rotation, Criswell seized the opportunity and turned in what was likely the second-best start of his major league career. Criswell scattered seven hits over seven innings to the Houston Astros, allowing just one run in a game the Sox went on to win, 2-1, in 10 innings.
“Amazing, amazing,” gushed Alex Cora. “Using all his fastballs, kept them off balance. We needed that and he did an amazing job.”
Opposing Astros All-Star righthander Hunter Brown, Criswell was every bit his equal on this night. The only damage against him came in the second inning on a solo homer by Christian Walker.
“Obviously, each outing you want to go out and give your best stuff and give your team a chance to win,” said Criswell. “Not too many guys had us taking Game 1 tonight, so that’s obviously nice.”
The Astros were aggressive with their approach, often swinging early in the count and Criswell successfully used that to his advantage. He got ahead — throwing first-pitch strikes to the first 10 hitters he faced — and was able to be efficient, throwing an average of just a dozen pitcher per inning.
“Certain hitters, going over the scouting report, they were looking for stuff in, so I tried to stay sinkers away,” said Criswell, “I left a few over the middle of the plate; I know Pena got a few hits there. But cutters away were really good, and then the changeup as well.”
Whether he was starting in Worcester or pitching in relief for the parent club, Criswell was awaiting a chance to start for Boston.
“I feel like I’m most comfortable (starting),” he said. “I also feel like I do any role, almost, to help the team win. Whatever they want from me, I’m open to doing. But yeah, it is nice. I feel like I’ve been stringing together some good starts in Worcester and getting this opportunity was nice.”
