Red Sox vs Astros Game 6 Odds, Predictions, and Probable Pitchers

• The Houston Astros host the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the ALCS on Friday (October 22nd, 8:08 pm ET)
• Boston will give the ball Nathan Eovaldi (2-1, 5.51 ERA) for this pivotal clash, while Houston has yet to name a starter
• Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

For the first time in the ALCS the Houston Astros got a pitching performance they could be proud of. Framber Valdez was brilliant in Game 5, scattering three hits and a single run to the mighty Boston Red Sox lineup over 8 innings, while helping Houston take a 3-2 series lead.

Valdez became the first Astros starter to last longer than three innings in the ALCS, and in doing so gave a tired Houston bullpen some much needed rest. Game 6 goes Friday (October 22nd) in Houston, with the Astros listed as a small favorite.

Red Sox vs Astros Game 6 Odds

Odds as of Oct. 22nd at FanDuel.

Houston is currently -132 on the moneyline in a contest that features a total of 8.5. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 pm ET at Minute Maid Park, with 72 degree night time temperatures and the chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Probable Pitchers

Valdez became the first pitcher to last 8 innings in any playoff game so far this postseason, and became the first opposing pitcher to last 8 innings at Fenway Park since Charles Nagy back in 1998.

The Astros have yet to name a starter for Game 6, but don’t have many options. With Lance McCullers Jr. down, and Valdez, Jose Urquidy, and Zack Grienke starting the last three games, Houston is left with only Jake Odorizzi and Luis Garcia. Both Odorizzi and Garcia pitched in Game 2, with Garcia exiting early due to a knee injury.

Dusty Baker didn’t name a starter for Game 6. Baker said Jake Odorizzi probably won’t be available until the Astros get home.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 20, 2021

Garcia was reportedly available for Game 5 in an emergency role, but his status could change on a dime based on the condition of his knee. Neither hurler pitched well last time out, as Garcia coughed up five runs in an inning of work, while Odorizzi yielded seven hits and four runs over 4 innings.

Boston meanwhile, will counter with Nathan Eovaldi. The 31-year-old pitched very well in the Wild Card game and in the ALDS, but has struggled versus the Astros in the ALCS. He’s allowed seven hits and seven runs over 6 total innings, surrendering four runs in a relief appearance in Game 4.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

Difficulties against this potent Houston lineup are nothing new for Eovaldi. In his lone meeting with them during the regular season he was absolutely rocked. The Astros pounded 11 hits and crossed the plate five times versus the right-hander in an 8-3 thrashing.

Red Sox vs Astros Pick

Each of the first five games of the ALCS has produced at least nine runs, with four straight producing double-digit totals. After a quiet Game 3, Houston’s lineup has responded with back-to-back nine run outings, and has owned Eovaldi in 2021.

Yordan Alvarez with a BOMB over the monster to put the Astros up 1-0! pic.twitter.com/ZpunDhj4Hj

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 20, 2021

The Red Sox bats meanwhile, are are set-up for a favorable matchup regardless if it’s Garcia or Odorizzi that gets the starting nod.

These were two of the AL’s top-four lineups during the regular season, and while the total is currently available at 8.5, the juice is shaded high enough towards the over that this number is going to move to 9. If you’re expecting yet another high-scoring game between these two teams, act now.

Pick: Over 8.5 (-120)