Boston Red Sox vs
Houston AstrosPredictions & Preview

Astros vs Red Sox: Houston Favored to Win After Dominating Season Series

The Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox are set to face off in an afternoon game on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Houston, leading the American League West division with 11 wins in their last 13 games, will be looking to extend their lead. While the Red Sox are close to the wild card spot in the American League, making this game crucial for their postseason hopes. The Astros hold a 4-1 lead in the season series against the Red Sox. The game is scheduled to start at 2:10 P.M. EST, with Cooper Criswell starting for the Red Sox and Justin Verlander starting for the Astros. Houston is favored to win, opening at -140 with the current line at Houston -133.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Red Sox +120 | Astros -133
• Spread: Red Sox +1.5 (-170) | Astros -1.5 (+150)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 57%.

Boston vs Houston Stats

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are currently 65-59 overall this season, placing them in third in the America League East division. They are 7.5 games back from the top spot in the division and 3.5 games back from the final wild card spot. Despite losing four of their last seven games, the Red Sox recently defeated the Astros 6-5 with Jarren Duran hitting a solo home run and Nick Pivetta pitching five innings for the win. Boston manager Alex Cora praised Duran's performance, calling him dynamic and special. Cooper Criswell will start for the Red Sox with a 5-4 record and a 4.56 ERA this season. The team is hitting .261 overall, ranking second in the sport, and is ranked 4th in offense and 25th in defense with a power ranking of 15.

Houston Astros Analysis

The Houston Astros currently boast an overall record of 68-57 and are leading the American League West division. Despite a recent loss to the Boston Red Sox, the Astros have won 11 of their last 13 games. Manager Joe Espada praised pitcher Ronel Blanco for his performance in the last game, though the team couldn't secure a win. Justin Verlander will be starting the next game with a 3-2 record this season and an ERA of 4.32. The Astros have a strong batting average of .261, ranking third in the league, and have performed well against the American League East division and the Red Sox specifically. Their power ranking is 9, and they are ranked 12th for offense and 6th for defense in the league.

Houston Astros Primed for Victory with Justin Verlander on the Mound Against Red Sox

The Houston Astros have demonstrated strong performance in recent games, winning 11 out of their last 13 matchups and holding a 4-1 record against the Red Sox this season. With an upcoming game on Wednesday afternoon, the Astros are positioned for success, particularly with pitcher Justin Verlander on the mound. Verlander, despite a 4.20 ERA versus the American League, possesses the skills necessary to lead the team to victory in what is expected to be a high-scoring game. Additionally, Houston's robust offense, which has excelled with a .342 batting average against the Red Sox this season, will face a challenge from Cooper Criswell, who holds a 5.25 ERA on the road. Conversely, Boston has struggled at the plate, hitting just .204 against Houston. This matchup presents a favorable opportunity for Houston to secure another win.

Sources: [ 1 ]