The Boston Red Sox will host the Houston Astros for the third and final game of this series. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make an Astros-Red Sox prediction and pick.
Houston has absolutely dominated this series through the first two games and will look to complete the massive sweep over the Red Sox in Boston. The Astros have outscored Boston 15-4 through the first two games. Who will have the edge in the final regular season meeting between these two clubs?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Astros-Red Sox odds.
MLB Odds: Astros-Red Sox Odds
Houston Astros -1.5 (+160)
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-180)
Over 9 Runs (-111)
Under 9 Runs (-109)
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Astros have been scorching hot of late with wins in eight of their last 10 games coming in. They are 5-1 in their last six games against the Red Sox and couldn't be in a better spot right now heading into the series finale. Despite the recent injuries to key starters, the Astros continue to win games.
Houston has been absolutely mashing this season as they lead the league in runs scored and hits per game. Surprisingly enough, the Astros have actually been more productive at the plate when playing on the road. They've scored 5.33 runs per game over their last three against the Red Sox as well. The Astros are 17-13 in games against left-handed starters this season and have a favorable matchup against a struggling southpaw.
The Astros will send right-hander Zack Greinke to the bump for this series finale. Greinke just threw his first complete game in four seasons in his most recent start against the Blue Jays. The right-hander has been dominant lately with a 4-1 record and 2.37 ERA over his last five starts coming in. He is currently 6-2 with a 3.38 ERA through his first 13 starts this season.
Why The Red Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Boston Red Sox have exceeded all of their preseason expectations over the first two months of the regular season. Boston is 37-25 and currently in second place in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox are two games above .500 at home and it's their impressive road record that has catapulted this team to the top of the division.
The Red Sox potent offense has returned to form this season as they've been one of the most productive lineups in baseball. Boston is currently averaging 4.89 runs per game, which is good for seventh in the Majors. They average the third-most hits per game as a team as well. Boston has played well against right-handed pitching as they're 25-18 when they face a righty starter. The Red Sox pitching staff has been serviceable enough to stay afloat, but this team will need an upgrade in the rotation soon.
Boston will turn to left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez for the series finale. Rodriguez will look to salvage this series with a quality start against a potent lineup. The past five starts haven't been kind to the southpaw as Rodriguez has racked up a 7.92 ERA during that span. One of those starts was against this same Astros club as well. The Red Sox left-hander gave up six runs on seven hits through 4.2 innings of work against Houston.
Final Astros-Red Sox Prediction & Pick
The Houston Astros are quickly regaining control as the best team in the American League. They have the best lineup in baseball and possess a better pitching staff than the Red Sox. Zack Greinke is pitching out of this world right now and should continue his recent success against a struggling Red Sox lineup. Eduardo Rodriguez has been horrible lately and got rocked by this Astros lineup not too long ago. I see great disparity in this matchup and I'm surprised at the value that we're getting with the Astros.
FINAL PICK: Houston Astros ML (+100)
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