Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox, 5/17/2019 Predictions & Odds

Astros vs. Red Sox Friday Prediction

Two heavyweights from the American League will clash tonight at Fenway when the Boston Red Sox host the Houston Astros at 7:10 p.m. ET. What’s the best play on the board for bettors in Game 1 of this series?

Game Snapshot & Odds

921 Houston Astros (-151) at 922 Boston Red Sox (+126); 9.5 runs

Friday, May 17, 2019

7:10 p.m. ET, Fenway Park, Boston, MA

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Public Betting Trends

According to our MLB Public Betting Chart page, 65% of the betting tickets are on the Astros to beat the Red Sox on the moneyline.

Houston Astros Fantasy Spin

The Astros are hopeful that Jose Altuve (hamstring) can resume baseball activities in the next few days. "He's doing great, he's feeling better and is pain-free, and now we have to integrate the baseball stuff and see where that takes him towards the early parts of next week," manager A.J. Hinch said. Obviously, more will be known about a potential timetable for Altuve once he starts going through drills again, but it sounds like he's made nice progress. He's eligible for activation next Tuesday, although it's unclear whether he might have a shot to return then.

Boston Red Sox Fantasy Spin

Jackie Bradley is not in the Red Sox' lineup Friday. Mookie Betts will slide over to center field, J.D. Martinez will be in right and Eduardo Nunez will handle the designated hitter duties. Bradley is hitting .153/.257/.186 with just four extra-base hits (all doubles) this season.

MLB Betting Trends

Houston

The Astros are winless in their last four games versus the Red Sox.

Boston

The Red Sox are 5-0 in Rick Porcello’s last five starts and are 37-18 in his last 55 outings at Fenway.

Prediction:

The over is 18-7-1 in the last 26 meetings between these two teams in Boston and is 36-16-1 in the last 53 games between the Astros and Red Sox overall. The over is also 4-1 in Gerrit Cole’s last five starts and 4-1-1 in Houston’s last six road games. Finally, the over is a perfect 5-0 in the Red Sox’ last five games, is 6-0 in their last six home games and is 7-1 in Porcello’s last eight starts overall (including 4-1 in his last five outings at Fenway).

The Pick: Astros/Red Sox OVER 9.5