The Houston Astros are now 4-1 in the 2021 MLB postseason after taking care of business in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox to the tune of a 5-4 score. The Astros will look to stretch their series lead Saturday night, with momentum on their side. Boston has been in this situation before. The Red Sox lost Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays before winning the next three to advance to the ALCS. Will they tie the series up in Game 2? With that said, it’s now time to read our Red Sox-Astros prediction and preview for the second chapter of this intriguing series.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for this Red Sox vs. Astros ALCS Game 2 matchup.
MLB Odds: Red Sox-Astros Odds
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-170)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+145)
Over 8.5 runs (-120)
Under 8.5 runs (+100)
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Why the Red Sox Could Cover
Getting starting duties for the Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALCS will be Nathan Eovaldi, who’s been pretty solid in the postseason. Eovaldi has proven to be dependable for Boston, especially after two starts in this postseason, thus far. The 31-year-old righty was last seen on the mound taming the Tampa Bay Rays in the NLDS. Prior to that, Eovaldi played a big role in shutting the door on the New York Yankees in the Wild Card round. So far in the postseason, Eovaldi has allowed just three runs on seven hits and fanned 16 hitters in 10.1 innings.
Behind Eovaldi will be the Red Sox’s offense that’s being driven by the likes of Rafael Devers and Kiké Hernández. Devers is slashing .320/.414/.560 in the postseason, while Hernandez, who went 4-for-5 with two homers in Game 1 of the ALCS, is hitting .500/.500/1.071. After scoring three runs on six hits in just 2.2 innings against Houston southpaw starter Framber Valdez in Game 1, the Red Sox will walk into Game 2 with a 6-0 record in their last six games against teams that started a right-hander.
Why the Astros Could Cover
Eovaldi’s leash as a starter is usually short, relatively speaking. Over his last six appearances, he’s pitched for at least six innings just once. And if his trend of early exits continues in Game 2 of this series, Boston will have to reach for its bullpen early and face Houston’s armada of hitters, who are among the most dangerous in the majors when it comes to scoring in the later innings. In fact, the Astros are inside the top 10 in the majors in terms of runs per game in the sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. Houston’s robust offense in the later innings was on full display in Game 1 when the Astros scored four runs from the sixth to the eighth inning. Those don’t bode well for Boston’s relievers who have a collective 3.92 ERA and 4.33 FIP since September, 15th and 21st in the majors, respectively.
Looking to expose Boston’s pitching are Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, who seem to have the number of Eovaldi. Altuve has a .473 wOBA in 24 plate appearances against Eovaldi, while Bregman has a.729 wOBA in 11 PA opposite the Red Sox’s pitcher. Luis Garcia expects Houston’s offense to back him up, as he takes the mound Saturday night. He faced the Red Sox once in the regular season, surrendering just an earned run on five hits while striking out six hitters in seven innings of a 5-1 home win last June.
Final Red Sox-Astros Prediction & Pick
Eovaldi has been lights out in the playoffs for the Red Sox, but so is the Astros’ offense. The Astros have scored at least six runs in four of five games in this postseason. Boston has the better starting pitcher in this matchup, but it’s Houston’s offense that will shine the most in Game 2.
Final Red Sox-Astros Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (+145)
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