Boston Houck hit in the face by Yankees Higashioka’s stick liner

Red Sox
Tanner Houck immediately went to the ground and stayed on the ground for a few minutes as he was assisted by athletic trainers.
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck touches his cheek after being hit by a line drive by Kyle Higashioka of the New York Yankees during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, June 16, 2023, at Boston’s Fenway Park. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck left Friday’s game with the Yankees after being hit in the face with a line drive.
With Boston leading 10-1 in the fifth inning, New York’s Kyle Higashioka started and trailed 1-2 in the count, before lining up Houck’s lead at 92 mph straight down the middle and hitting Houck.
Houck immediately lay down on the ground and lay there for a few minutes as he was treated by athletic trainers. The right side of his face was bleeding, but he was able to get up and leave the field under his own power.
The team announced his injury as a facial contusion.
Houck covered his cheek with a towel and raised his left fist towards the crowd as he descended the steps into the dugout. Houck was replaced by Joe Jacques.
Houck allowed one run and four hits, with two strikeouts and a walk.
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