Game: Houston Astros @ Boston Red Sox
Time: 4:10 p.m.
Odds: Astros -135, Red Sox +114
Total: 8
The Boston Red Sox’s chances of making the postseason are dwindling as August comes to a close. This afternoon, the Red Sox will try to salvage the final game of a three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros. The Red Sox are currently 6.5 games out of the final American League wild-card spot.
After Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning last night, the Astros capitalized on a Boston error in the fifth inning. The mistake allowed Houston to go on to a 6-2 victory. It was the fourth time in a row a Red Sox starting pitcher failed to go a full five innings.
Today, manager Alex Cora hopes that changes. The Red Sox will start right-hander Kutter Crawford (6-6, 3.65 ERA). In five innings of work against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Friday, Crawford struck out seven batters while giving up just two runs on four hits. He was not involved in the decision as the Red Sox ultimately lost 4-1 to Detroit. Crawford won his only career start against Houston on August 2, 2022, allowing just one run on seven hits over six innings.
The Red Sox promoted top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela from Triple-A Worcester to make his major league debut in the midst of a trying week. The Red Sox also called up P Kyle Barraclough who gave up 10 runs on 11 hits in 4.1 innings on Monday. Rafaela has yet to make a major league start, but he managed to get his first hit in Boston’s 13-5 series-opening loss on Monday.
Adam Duvall, who plays center field for Boston, is also putting up impressive numbers. During his current nine-game hitting streak, he has hit seven home runs. On Tuesday, he homered in his fourth straight game.
The Astros have won four straight games and tied a franchise record with 66 hits during that stretch. On Tuesday, Houston pulled into a tie for the AL West Division lead with Texas and Seattle.
In his first game back after right shoulder surgery, Michael Brantley boosted Houston’s lineup despite going 0-for-4 in the victory on Tuesday. Brantley last played on June 22 of last season. In 16 rehab games for Triple-A Sugar Land, he hit 14 for 47 (.298) with a home run and 12 RBIs.
Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (9-9, 3.40 ERA) will start the series finale. On August 1, Valdez no-hit the Cleveland Guardians. The following three starts saw him surrender 16 runs (15 earned) on 24 hits, but on Friday at Detroit, he rebounded with seven scoreless innings, earning a no-decision. He did walk five batters and hit one against the Tigers. Valdez has a 2-1 record and a 1.59 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Red Sox.
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last five games. The Astros have won five of their last seven against the Red Sox and they are 6-1 SU in their last seven road games. Boston is struggling, having just one win in its last five games.
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