The Sox want Gonzalez in the lineup against almost every lefty (Framber Valdez will pitch for Houston) and for good reason — entering Sunday’s action, Gonzalez had the third-highest slugging percentage against lefties this season, behind only Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh.

Gonzalez’s at-bat gave the Red Sox little time to dwell on the two-run homer Walker Buehler allowed at the top of the frame. And a reinvigorated Boston lineup rattled off six straight runs across four innings, leading to a 7-3 win at home over the Astros.

Romy Gonzalez, Trevor Story, and Abraham Toro each hit home runs as the Red Sox jumped the Yankees for the top AL wildcard spot.