The Houston Astros will play host to the Boston Red Sox in the second of a four-game set on Tuesday night. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Red Sox-Astros prediction and pick.
Houston took the first game of this series behind an offensive onslaught. The Astros beat up on Eduardo Rodriguez and ultimately put up 11 runs. Houston needed a big performance to help turn the tide after struggling lately with losses in six of its last nine games. Boston should be due for a bounce-back performance given the club has still won seven of 10.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Red Sox-Astros odds.
MLB Odds: Red Sox-Astros Odds
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-171)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+151)
Over 8.5 Runs (-110)
Under 8.5 Runs (-110)
Why The Red Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Red Sox have continued their surprising success with wins in three of their last four games. Boston has been dominant behind elite offensive output. The Red Sox are currently averaging 5.08 runs per game, which is the third-best mark in all of baseball. Their pitching staff has certainly been serviceable enough to provide stability for a lineup that has produced at least four runs in six of their last 10 games.
Boston has been solid on the road this season with a record of 16-8. They are 15-9 ATS and score just under five runs per game away from Fenway. The Red Sox are 20-16 in games that feature right-handed starters as well. Boston is 10-5 straight up in its last 15 games this season.
The Red Sox will turn to right-hander Garrett Richards for the second game of this series. Richards is currently 4-3 with a 3.83 ERA through his first 11 starts of the season. The hard-throwing right-hander has been pitching well over his last three starts coming in. He is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA during that span.
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Astros have been really struggling over the past few weeks. They were 3-6 over their last nine games coming into this series and earned a crucial victory on Monday night. The 11-2 win over the Red Sox in the opener marked their second straight victory and third straight game with at least seven runs scored. Houston is currently second in the AL West and within striking distance of the Oakland Athletics for the division lead, which only increases the importance of this four-game set.
The Astros have been a far better team at home this season. Their league-leading offense is scoring 5.50 runs per game at Minute Maid Park. Houston is 18-12 in 30 home games in 2021. They are also 15-12 in 27 games against right-handed starters.
Houston will turn to right-hander Luis Garcia for the second game of this series. Garcia comes in at 3-3 with a 3.34 ERA across nine starts this season. The right-hander earned the victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start. He gave up no earned runs on two hits and seven strikeouts over six innings of work against the defending champs. In his last three starts, Garcia is 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings.
Final Red Sox-Astros Prediction & Pick
This game could go either way with Boston having the edge in recent play and Houston having the clear edge on the bump. Although they have won two straight, it's hard to say the Astros are officially out of the gutter. Boston, on the other hand, has been playing so well and has shown no signs of slowing down. I do think that this game will be close, but I give the edge to the Red Sox because of their recent play and ability to score runs against anyone.
FINAL PICK: Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-171)
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