The ALCS between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros started off with a bang on Friday night as the Astros executed a come-from-behind victory to take Game 1.
Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez did not have his best stuff in Game 1 and the Red Sox got to him early, scoring two runs in just 2.2 innings of work. Red Sox starter Chris Sale only lasted 2.2 innings himself but limited the damage to just one earned run.
The Red Sox continued to get historic production from their utility man, Kiké Hernandez. Hernandez went 4-for-5 with two home runs in the game, supplying most of the offense. Still, this was not enough to topple Houston who got a pivotal, mammoth home run from shortstop Carlos Correa.
With all these theatrics in Game 1, I expect a similar atmosphere in Game 2. Will the Red Sox even the series or will the Astros inch one step closer to another World Series appearance? Here are my ALCS Game 2 Red Sox vs Astros predictions and best bets.
Please note that all ALCS Game 2 odds and lines are current as of 7:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 16.
Red Sox vs Astros ALCS Game 2 Prediction
Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros, October 16, 4:20 p.m. ET on FS1
Probable Starting Pitchers:
- Nathan Eovaldi, Red Sox (11-9, 3.75 ERA)
- Luis Garcia, Astros (11-8, 3.48 ERA)
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The Red Sox will send their big game pitcher, Nathan Eovaldi to the mound in Game 2 in hopes of tying this series up before heading back to Boston. Eovaldi’s excellent postseason track record has been well-documented, and he will look to continue to build his resumé against the hot-hitting Astros.
The Astros will roll with Luis Garcia, one of their surprise rookies this season. Garcia might not be an ace, but the Astros don’t need him to be to win. Their success is predicated on their offensive performance, but if Garcia can simply hold down the fort, the Astros should be firmly in the mix for the win.
I like Houston to take Game 2 and the 2-0 series lead here, and I expect lots of offense between these two teams.
Red Sox vs Astros Game 2 Pick: Astros 7, Red Sox 4
Luis Garcia struggled in his last start, but he was one of Houston’s most effective pitchers this season. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Red Sox vs Astros Best Bets
Best Bet: Astros Moneyline (-125) at BetMGM
Wager: 1 unit
The Red Sox played the Astros extremely tough in Game 1, but the Astros simply had the better clutch hitting. These two teams are quite evenly matched and while the Red Sox certainly have the pitching advantage in this game, the Astros have their home crowd and elite offense to rely on.
I am picking the Astros to not allow the Red Sox to tie the series up.
Best Bet: Red Sox/Astros Over 8.5 (-120) at BetMGM
Wager: 1 unit
I strongly believe that every game in this entire series could hit the over. Both teams have deep lineups and neither team has outstanding pitching. That’s always a recipe for lots of offense and I expect Game 2 to be no different than Game 1. Yes, 8.5 runs are a lot for a playoff game but I expect to see plenty of runs scored.
I am taking the over with the expectation that both teams come out swinging again in Game 2.
