Red Sox vs. Astros Thursday Prediction
Two heavyweights from the American League will square off in Houston on Thursday night when the Astros host the Red Sox at 8:10 p.m. ET. Will the game turn into a pitcher’s duel between the two clubs?
Game Snapshot & Odds
967 Boston Red Sox (+165) at 968 Houston Astros (-200); 9 runs
Thursday, May 31, 2018
8:10 p.m. ET, Minute Maid Park
TV: BOS (NESN); HOU (ATTH)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Astros as a -200 favorite. As of this writing, 52% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Red Sox to beat the Astros on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Red Sox’ Pomeranez knocked around by Braves in last start
Drew Pomeranz was knocked around in Saturday’s loss to the Braves, giving up five runs on six hits on only 3 1/3 innings of work. Pomeranz walked three and struck out three on the afternoon. He served up a two-run homer to Dansby Swanson in the second inning, then the Braves added on in the third and fourth before chasing him. He now owns a miserable 6.75 ERA and 1.88 WHIP on the season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Red Sox bump him from the rotation, or place him on the disabled list, after this latest disaster.
Astros’ McCullers tagged for seven runs by Indians
Lance McCullers allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings in Saturday’s loss to the Indians. McCullers gave up six hits, three of which left the yard and accounted for six of the seven runs against him. They were three more homers than he’d given up in his last six starts combined. He just didn’t have it on this night. The right-hander has a 3.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 68/25 K/BB ratio across 11 starts. Things don’t get easier for McCullers on Thursday when the Red Sox come to town.
MLB Betting Trends
Boston
The Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five games played against the Astros.
Houston
The Astros have dropped four of their last five games overall and are just 1-5 in their last six games played against the American League East.
Prediction:
I know both of these teams can swing it and both starters are coming off poor performances in their previous starts but this total still seems high to me. The under is 37-18-3 in the Astros’ last 58 home games, is 5-2-1 in their last eight games against the American League East, and is 3-1-2 in their last six games coming off a loss. On the other side, the under has hit in six of the Red Sox’ last seven road games and is 7-3 in Pomeranz’s last 10 starts coming off four days of rest.
The Pick: Red Sox/Astros under 9