Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Predictions, Odds, Preview


October 16, 2021
Jonathan Willis
MLB Expert
VegasInsider.com

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Predictions

Boston will have its ace on the mound for Game 2 of the ALCS. Nathan Eovaldi was the best pitcher for the Red Sox in the regular season, and he has been great in the playoffs. Houston will be forced to counter with Luis Garcia since Lance McCullers was left off the ALCS roster with forearm tightness, and that will put them at a disadvantage on Saturday afternoon in the Lone Star State.

The Red Sox have been great on offense throughout the postseason. They have scored 32 runs through five games, propelling them past division rivals New York and Tampa Bay to reach the ALCS. Their performance has been reminiscent of their World Series run three years ago, and they will be able to go back to Fenway Park with home field advantage.

Score Prediction

Red Sox 4, Astros 2

Best Bets

Under

Red Sox ML

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Betting Odds

Game odds provided by DraftKings - subject to change

  • TBD

The Boston Red Sox have trailed after three innings in three straight road games. (AP)

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Betting Resources

  • Matchup: AL East vs. AL Central
  • Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
  • Venue: Minute Maid Park
  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • TV-Time: FOX/FS1 - 4:020 p.m. ET

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Inside the Stats - Boston Red Sox

  • Record: 96-71
  • Run Line: 88-79
  • O/U: 78-85-4
  • Runs: 829 (5th)
  • Batting Average: .261 (3rd)
  • On Base Percentage: .328 (7th)
  • ERA: 4.26 (15th)
  • WHIP: 1.38 (23rd)

Inside the Stats - Houston Astros

  • Record: 98-68
  • Run Line: 80-86
  • O/U: 89-69-8
  • Runs: 863 (1st)
  • Batting Average: .267 (1st)
  • On Base Percentage: .339 (1st)
  • ERA: 3.76 (7th)
  • WHIP: 1.23 (8th)

Key Players to Watch

  • BOS: Rafael Devers - 3B (.279 avg, 38 HR, 113 RBI)
  • BOS: Xander Bogaerts - SS (.295 avg, 23 HR, 79 RBI)
  • HOU: Yordan Alvarez - DH (.277 avg, 33 HR, 104 RBI)
  • HOU: Jose Altuve - 2B (.277 avg, 31 HR, 83 RBI)

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Probable Pitchers

BOS: TBD

HOU: TBD


The Astros have won eight straight home games when facing the AL East after winning on the road the game prior. (AP)

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Betting Analysis

Alex Cora was expected to use Nasty Nate in Game 1 against Houston, but Cora decided to give Eovaldi an extra day of rest. Eovaldi should still be able to throw twice in this series, and that’s important considering how he has performed to this point.

Eovaldi has struck out 16 batters in 10.1 innings over his two starts. He has a 0.77 WHIP and a 2.61 ERA in those two playoff outings, as the only issue he has had is giving up two home runs. His only start against Houston this season wasn’t great, as he allowed 11 hits and five earned runs in 5.2 innings, but his command has been great over the last few weeks.

Although Rafael Devers is reportedly dealing with a wrist injury, he has been great in the middle of the order for Boston this postseason. Devers has been on base 10 times, and he has six RBI in his last three games.

Enrique Hernandez is currently the hottest hitter for the Red Sox, and that’s why Cora is batting him at or near the top of the lineup. Hernandez has a .440 OPS with two home runs, putting even more pressure on opposing pitchers to not make mistakes in the heart of the order.

The bottom of the lineup has been lackluster for Boston. Christian Arroyo has a .579 OPS, and Bobby Dalbec has yet to get a hit.

Garcia will get the ball for Houston in Game 2. Garcia was underwhelming in his first start of the postseason, allowing five earned runs in 2.2 innings against the White Sox on Sunday. He was rocked by Tampa Bay in his last start of the regular season too, so it’s unlikely he goes deep into this game.

However, Garcia was sharp in his lone start against Boston in the regular season. He surrendered just one run in seven innings in a 5-1 win on June 1.

Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa have done a great job getting on base for the Astros this postseason. Both Alvarez and Correa have a .529 OBP as the two players have combined to take 10 walks. Jose Altuve has showcased his batting eye with four walks too, and that led to Houston punishing Chicago in the ALDS.

Kyle Tucker had a breakout season in 2021 for the Astros. Tucker’s .917 OPS ranked 8th in the American League, and he currently leads Houston in slugging this postseason thanks to two home runs.

Houston’s bats will be held in check in Game 2 though, as Eovaldi should be able to go six strong innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Game 2 Betting Trends

  • TBD