Astros at Red Sox Game 3 Betting Preview: Pivotal Game 3 Matchup Will Come Down to Early Offense
After the Astros won a close Game 1 in the series, Boston bounced back with a dominating Game 2 effort to even the ALCS 1-1. Game 3 is important, as it has the potential to swing the momentum towards either side in a big way.
Despite a decent pitching matchup, this game should feature plenty of hits and runs, and whoever’s offense can score early and often will get the victory.
Let’s take a look at the game preview and MLB betting odds for Game 2 of the NLCS.
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Betting Odds & Betting Lines
According to Bovada, the moneyline for the Astros is -103. The Red Sox is at -117. Betonline favors Boston at -118 and has Houston at +108.
Astros Preview: Give the Red Sox a Taste of their Own Medicine
In Game 2, the Red Sox embarrassed the Astros with two early grand slams. With plenty of quality right-handed bats and a left-hander on the hill for Boston, the Astros need to make a similar statement early in Game 3. No, that does not mean they have to hit two grand slams, but some early runs would be crucial in keeping pressure on the Red Sox.
On the mound, RHP Jose Urquidy gets the baseball for the Astros. While he is not a guy who will blow you away, he has the ability to limit damage and keep his team in games.
If the Astros can spot Urquidy an early lead, expect the righty to throw five solid innings.
Red Sox Preview: Keep Getting Runners on Base
When a team hits two grand slams within a couple of innings, it is going to be the main talking point. However, those slams don’t happen if players don’t get on base. While solo shots are useful, home runs with runners on base can completely change the entire dynamic of a game.
The Red Sox hitters implemented a patient approach at the plate in Game 2, which led to plenty of base runners and ultimately an impressive offensive outburst. They will use a similar game plan on Monday night.
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Red Sox. Similar to Urquidy, he is someone who makes his money by limiting damage and is not going to strike out the world. He will be tasked with the very challenging task of containing this potent Astros lineup at Fenway Park.
What to Watch for in Game 3
Yes, the expectation is for a huge offensive game. Both lineups are red-hot and do not have overpowering pitching matchups. However, is there a chance for either starting pitcher to throw a good ballgame on Monday night?
Well, it depends on what you consider a good ball game. If you are looking for six innings of shutout ball, the odds of that happening for either probable starter is highly unlikely. But if either pitcher can go at least five innings and surrender less than three runs, I would consider that a noble performance.
One thing to expect is that whoever scores multiple runs early in the game to have an excellent chance of winning the ballgame. Grabbing momentum in the first few innings is pivotal when it comes to playoff matchups, as we saw with the Red Sox on Saturday.
Prediction: Who Gets the Win?
The betting odds are fairly even in terms of their lines and projections. However, I love this pitching matchup for the Astros right-handed batters such as Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Yuli Gurriel.
I expect those four players to lead Houston to victory in Game 3, making the Astros my MLB betting pick to grab a 2-1 series advantage.
