Red Sox vs. Astros Prediction
The Boston Red Sox picked up an important victory last night and are now one win away from advancing to the World Series as Game 5 of the American League Championship Series is set for tonight at the Houston Astros. Is a bet on Boston the smart play for a third straight game in Houston?
Game Snapshot
955 Boston Red Sox at 956 Houston Astros
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Minute Maid Park at 8:09PM ET
TV: TBS
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our Baseball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Astros are a -180 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Red Sox are a +170 underdog, while the over-under is set for 8 runs. As of Thursday morning, 70 percent of public bets are being placed on host Houston. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Bradley Jr. helps power Red Sox to win
Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for the second straight game Wednesday night as Boston claimed an 8-6 win in Game 5 of the ALCS at the Astros. He finished 1-for-2 with the 2-run home run plus two walks. Mookie Betts went 1-for-5 with two runs scored. Andrew Benintendi was 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs. J.D. Martinez finished 2-for-4 with a walk, two runs and an RBI. Xander Bogaerts ended the game 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. Rafael Devers went 1-for-5 with two RBIs. Steve Pearce walked twice in five plate appearances. Brock Holt finished 1-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. Joe Kelly picked up the win in relief as he allowed one earned run on two hits in an inning of work. Craig Kimbrel earned the save as he allowed one earned run on two hits with one strikeout and three walks in two innings of work, throwing 35 pitches to finish it out.
Springer has three-hit night
George Springer was 3-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in yesterday’s loss to Boston. Josh Reddick went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, a run and an RBI. Carlos Correa ended the contest 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. Tony Kemp was 2-for-3 with a solo home run plus two walks. Josh James suffered the loss as he allowed three earned runs on four hits with five strikeouts and a walk over 3 2/3 innings.
David Price (16-7, 3.58 ERA) will start today for the Red Sox, while Houston counters with Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.52).
MLB Betting Trends
Boston
The over is 8-2 in the last 10 Red Sox games following a win. The over is 15-4-2 in the last 21 Boston games overall.
Houston
The Astros are 7-2 in their last nine games following a loss. The over is 36-15-1 in the last 52 meetings.
Prediction:
With Kimbrel out of the picture most likely today and the Red Sox bullpen being not only shaky but depleted, I like the Astros to bounce back today. Verlander is one of the most trustable pitchers in baseball and I see no reason why he won’t shine today. Go with the Astros.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ASTROS -180