Roman Anthony is first Red Sox since Kyle Schwarber to accomplish disciplined feat

HOUSTON — Star rookie Roman Anthony blasted a 428-foot home run to center field and drew four walks in the Red Sox’ 14-1 win over the Astros on Tuesday at Daikin Park.

“I’m trying to get a pitch I can do damage on and if not, just taking my walks,” Anthony said. “So I think I did a good job of that tonight.”

Anthony, who has homered in back-to-back games, became the first Red Sox hitter with four or more walks in a game since Kyle Schwarber did it Aug. 26, 2021, vs. Minnesota.

Anthony’s performance puts him in elite company. Schwarber is known for his plate discipline and pitch selection. His 14.8% walk percentage this season is in the 97th percentile among major league hitters. He had an exceptional 19.6% walk percentage in his 41 regular season games (168 plate appearances) with Boston in 2021.

As just a 21-year-old rookie, Anthony has 32 walks in 219 plate appearances, equaling a 14.6% walk percentage. He walked in 16.3% of his 1,379 minor league plate appearances.

“That swing on the homer, that was impressive,” manager Alex Cora said. “Not too many people go deep here in that part of the ballpark. His game plan is his game plan. His approach is his approach. And if you don’t throw it in the zone, he’s not going to swing most of the time. We were joking, me and Ref (Rob Refsnyder). We were like, ‘Man, we pinch hit for him in the first game of his career. Who is the dumb (expletive) that did that?’”

Anthony scored four runs Tuesday. He’s batting .406 with a .451 on-base percentage, .857 OPS, four homers, 16 doubles, one triple, 23 RBIs and 33 runs in 52 games.

“I understand the quality of hitters I have behind me,” he said. “It just makes my life easier and I’m more than glad to take my walks because I know who’s behind me.”