The Boston Red Sox are set to host the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the ALCS. The visiting Astros currently hold a 1-0 series lead, and the action will be televised on TBS. The opening pitch in this matchup is scheduled for 7:09 p.m. ET.
Houston Astros at Boston Red Sox Odds
Factoring in the regular season, the Astros are 107-59 SU and are 86-79 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t moved the needle much this year, gaining 0.5 units for moneyline gamblers, despite having lost 1.6 units ATS. The Red Sox, on the other hand, are 111-56 SU and 96-70 ATS. The team’s gained 34.4 units for moneyline bettors and 23.2 units ATS.
Boston games have an over/under record of 79-79-8 in 2018. Astros games have gone under 85 times, gone over 72 times and pushed on eight occasions.
Gerrit Cole will get the start for the visiting Astros. The right-handed Cole is 15-5 with a 2.88 ERA and 276 strikeouts. He’s 1-0 with 15 strikeouts and a 3.46 ERA against Boston this year (two starts).
The Red Sox are putting the ball in the left hand of David Price (16-7, 3.58 ERA, 1.14 WHIP), who’s got 177 strikeouts and 50 walks. Price is 1-0 with 17 strikeouts and a 3.65 ERA over two starts against Houston this year.
With a team slash line of .291/.421/.567, Houston has tallied 7.0 runs per game through four postseason outings. The Red Sox are hitting .247/.337/.371 and the team has managed 5.8 runs in the 2018 playoffs.
The Red Sox bullpen (9.9 K/9) has registered a postseason ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.45, while Astros relievers (8.6 K/9) have performed significantly better with a 0.71 ERA and 0.63 WHIP.
Houston’s offense has been powered by third baseman Alex Bregman and second baseman Jose Altuve. Bregman is slashing .290/.403/.543 with 33 home runs, 107 RBIs and 112 runs scored. Altuve (.313/.382/.451) is up to 14 homers, 63 RBIs, 89 runs and 17 stolen bases.
The Red Sox hitters have been led by J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts. Martinez is slashing .329/.402/.625 with 44 home runs, 136 RBIs and 112 runs scored, while the line for Betts stands at .341/.433/.626 with 32 homers, 82 RBIs, 132 runs and 30 stolen bases.
The Astros are coming off a 7-2 victory in the prior game of this series.
Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox Free MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Red Sox, ATS Winner – Astros, O/U – OVER
Betting Trends
- Houston has tallied 17 extra-base hits over its last five contests. Boston has 12 XBH over its last five.
- The Astros have won seven of their last eight games SU.
- Houston has recorded 19.8 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 outings and 21.6 over its last five.
- The Astros have hit 17 home runs in their last 10 games, including 10 over their last five.
