Astros -125
Red Sox vs. Astros Expert MLB Analysis and Pick (Archive)
The Red Sox will have an opportunity for redemption after getting blown out by the Astros on Sunday as they return to Minute Maid Park for the second of a four-game set. Let’s analyze this matchup and keep cashing our MLB picks!
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 – 8:10 PM EDT at Minute Maid Park
The Red Sox had entered the opening game of a four-game set with the Astros seeking their fourth straight win and were hoping their struggling ace, Eduardo Rodriguez, would turn things around. Unfortunately for the Sox and their backers, E-Rod continued to struggle and Boston was greeted by a hit parade of Houston hitters.
When the dust settled, the Astros claimed an 11-2 victory and moved to within half a game of the Athletics for the top spot in the AL West. It was the biggest margin of defeat suffered by Boston all season and Houston outfielder, Kyle Tucker, had plenty to do with it, getting three hits and driving in a career-best four RBI on the day.
Much was made of Boston manager Alex Cora’s return to Houston after his tenure as a bench coach on their World Series title team back in 2017. But as well all know, their accomplishments were tarnished with the sign-stealing scandal that continues to plague both Cora and the Astros still remaining from the championship edition.
"I got suspended," Cora said, reflecting on the scandal before the game. "That’s something that will always be on my resume and I think at the end, we all made a mistake. We all messed up, and we all are paying the price."
Tuesday’s Pitching Matchup
Boston right-hander, Garrett Richards (4-3, 3.83 ERA, 1.50 WHIP), will take the bump for the Red Sox on Tuesday night after working five-plus innings and allowing three runs on six hits in what resulted in a 3-1 loss to the Braves last Tuesday. Richards got the loss and his string of three consecutive wins was snapped with a decent, although unspectacular, outing.
Houston will counter with a young righty, Luis Garcia (3-3, 2.94 ERA, 1.00 WHIP), on Tuesday as the Astros look to keep their timely hitting and stingy defense alive. Garcia is a 24-year-old rookie (although he technically made five appearances last year), and spun a gem the last time he took the mound, holding the hard-hitting Dodgers to just one run on two hits in a 5-2 Houston win last Wednesday. "He was outstanding," manager Dusty Baker said. "He threw great. He was in control most of the game."
Wanna make a Bet?
I have been suspicious of the Red Sox this season as I believe they have overachieved under the helmsmanship of Alex Cora. However, a dearth of quality starting pitching will eventually expose them and I believe Boston will start to unravel as hitters find their groove in the summer months.
The Astros, on the other hand, are the real deal and the only threat to Oakland’s perch atop the AL West. The young gun going today, Luis Garcia, has thrived thus far in his home diamond as evidenced by his 1.98 ERA in 27.1 innings at home this year versus a 4.38 ERA on the highway.
Houston and Boston are No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the league in team batting average. However, the Astros bats were wide awake on Sunday while the Red Sox hitters slumbered. Much of that had to do with the quality of the pitching but I wouldn’t be surprised to see another Houston pitcher outduel his Boston counterpart today.
As we review the MLB odds at all of the top sportsbooks, we can see that Houston is ranging between a -125 and -130 home favorite in this one. I say that is decent value considering the pitching matchup and the fact that the Boston bats were cool despite having a day off before Monday’s contest. Let’s watch the ‘Stros do their thing again, and score another win over Boston.
MLB Pick: Astros -125 at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.