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Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros Betting Preview/Player Prop

16 October 2021

The Houston Astros will be looking to take a 2-0 series lead in the ALCS when they host the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. Houston came away with a 5-4 win in the series opener in a game that went back-and-forth.

Boston was able to get past a pair of AL East rivals already in the playoffs to set up this clash with the Astros. The Red Sox stunned the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Game before dispatching the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.

Houston has been one of the best teams in the American League over the last five seasons, and they are doing it again. The Astros got past the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS, disposing of a betting favorite to win the World Series.

The Houston Astros are the betting favorites at -120 over the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Boston Need Bats to Return

Enrique Hernandez hit a pair of home runs in the Game 1 loss, and he has been on fire throughout the postseason. Boston didn’t get much production from the biggest bats in their lineup in Game 1, and that trend needs to end in this matchup.

The Red Sox scored a total of 26 runs in their three wins in the ALDS, and they are going to need that type of production to win in this series. If Boston doesn’t hit a few home runs in this game, then they are going to struggle to win.

Nathan Eovaldi starts for Boston in Game 2, and he has been clutch for his team already this postseason. The Red Sox bullpen gave up some runs in Game 1, and they need Eovaldi to deliver a lengthy start.

Houston Hitting Some Bombs

It seems that whenever Houston has needed a big hit in the postseason, they always find a player to come up with a big hit. Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve delivered the big blows in Game 1, each hitting a late home run.

The Astros bullpen was also a huge part of the series-opening win as they completely shut down the Red Sox offense. Houston wants to win games with their offense, but they have a pitching staff that is terrific as well.

The Astros love hitting in Houston, and they should hit a couple more home runs in this matchup.

Red Sox Even Series At 1-1

The Boston Red Sox have the perfect pitcher on the mound for this game, but this game is going to be won at the plate. Both of these offenses have been terrific all season long, and the Red Sox have shown in the postseason that they know how to come up with big hits.

Boston will be desperate to pick up a win in this game and anxious to make up for a blown opportunity last night. That Red Sox lineup is simply loaded with talent, and they will find someone that will deliver on Saturday.

Bet the Boston Red Sox (+100) as they slug their way to evening the series at 1-1 with a victory.

Player Prop

Rafael Devers (-270) Over 0.5 Hits

While Boston missed an opportunity to steal Game 1 of the ALCS, the good news was that Devers continues to swing a hot bat.

The Bosox third baseman went 2-for-5 and scored a run in the losing effort. That followed his 3-for-4 performance with an HR and 3 RBI in the ALDS clincher against Tampa Bay. Overall, Devers is hitting .320 (8-for-25) with 2 HRs and 6 RBI in the postseason.

The early start time today should benefit Devers as he was far more productive in day games (.330 average) than night games (.252). And facing right-hander Luis Garcia should play to his strength as Devers’ slugging and OPS numbers against righties were far stronger than against left-handers.

With Boston looking to bounce back today, we’ll take Devers (-280) to continue to lead the offensive charge and pick up at least one base hit.

Keep up with your latest MLB news coverage at The Dunkel Index.

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