In a game that could be a shootout, Collin McHugh (4-3, 5.50 ERA) and the Houston Astros (15-22) are in Boston to take on Clay Buchholz (2-3, 5.90 ERA) and the Red Sox (22-14). This is the third of a four-game series at Fenway Park. The Astros won the last game 7-6, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 14 and can be seen on FS1, RTSW and NESN.
Buchholz pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking two in a 14-7 win over the Athletics. Jackie Bradley Jr. (.341, 20 Rs, 6 HRs, 30 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI. McHugh went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking one in a 5-1 win over the Mariners in his last outing. Jose Altuve (.338, 34 Rs, 9 HRs, 23 RBIs, 13 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Astros, going 3 for 4 yesterday with two runs and one RBI.
The odds for Boston and Houston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Red Sox have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the AL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. The Red Sox lead the MLB in batting average with a phenomenal team average of .296. Boston is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 27 bases. Boston’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Offensively, the Astros have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Astros are an excellent base-stealing team with an MLB-best 31 stolen bases. The Astros allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. When it comes to issuing walks, the Astros have the third-fewest in the AL with an average of just 2.6 walks allowed per game.
The Red Sox lead the season series, 3-2.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Boston is 13-5, while Houston is 5-10.
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are heading in with an 11-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 10-3. The Red Sox have a 21-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Boston has earned 213 this season. Houston ranks 13th with 152 runs.
Ranking 11th, Boston is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 115 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 149.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 17-9. When the Astros hit at least one homer, they have a 12-15 record.
