Astros' 7-Run 9th Inning Leads to Game 4 Win vs. Red Sox, Series Tied 2-2
Oct 20, 2021
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 19: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in front of Martin Maldonado #15 of the Houston Astros after he hit a two run home run in the first inning of Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox have crushed the baseball for much of the 2021 postseason. But on Tuesday night, it was the Houston Astros who came up with the timely hitting.
Jose Altuve's game-tying homer in the eighth inning and a wild seven-run top of the ninth gave the Astros a 9-2 win in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, evening the series at two games apiece.
For the second time in this series, José Altuve has tied the game with a homer. pic.twitter.com/pohaU4Lril
Alex Cora's decision to use Game 2 starter Nathan Eovaldi in the top of the ninth—alongside Laz Diaz's strike zone behind the plate—will be questioned and lamented in Boston for the next two days.
That's game. This "ball" led to Nate Eovaldi being charged four runs and the #RedSox dropping Game 4. Should've been tied, going to the bottom of the ninth. pic.twitter.com/zjOIOX7oHd
But both teams' pitching staffs calmed the stormy waters after that, at least until Houston's late heroics. No surprise that Houston heroes Altuve and Carlos Correa tied the game and scored the winning run, respectively. Or that Michael Brantley blew things wide open.
It's something of an October tradition at this point.
Key Stats
Jose Altuve, HOU: 1-for-4, one homer, two runs, one RBI
Michael Brantley, HOU: 2-for-5, three RBI, one run
Houston Bullpen: 7.2 innings, four hits, no runs
Nick Pivetta, BOS: Five innings, two hits, one run, two walks, three strikeouts
Xander Bogaerts, BOS: 2-for-5, one homer, two RBI
Nathan Eovaldi, BOS: 0.2 innings, two hits, four runs, two strikeouts
Welcome Back, Jose Altuve
When Altuve stepped to the plate in the top of the eighth, he was a shocking 1-for-15 in the ALCS. For a player who has been the hero of so many playoff moments for Houston—he has 21 postseason homers, after all, the third-most by an infielder in baseball history, per Baseball Reference—it was a pretty shocking start to this series.
And then, with one swing of the bat, he reminded everybody why he's arguably the greatest October player of his generation.
Altuve, of course. He breaks a tie with that Derek Jeter guy for third most #postseason home runs (21). #ForTheH
Altuve’s ability to wake from the dead and get his during the biggest moment is ridiculous. Second game-tying bomb of the series after a rough start. Why he’s the GOAT. #ForTheH
You have to hand it to Altuve—he may only have two hits in this series, but both have been game-tying homers. If nothing else, the man has impeccable timing.
Xander Bogaerts Showed Up Tuesday, His Teammates Didn't
Bogaerts is putting together a superb postseason, hitting .315 with three homers, six RBI and seven runs in nine games.
It's been a revelation for Boston's star man, who has struggled in postseasons past and was hitting just .226 for his career in the playoffs coming into Tuesday night. But he was getting all of the ball in Game 4.
But the rest of his teammates were a complete no-show. While Bogaerts had two hits, the rest of the Red Sox lineup went an abysmal 3-for-29 with seven walks. Boston's hitters have been red-hot for the entirety of the postseason, so perhaps a regression was inevitable. But it sure came at the worst moment.
What's Next?
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 5:08 p.m. ET at Fenway Park (FS1). The pitching matchup has not yet been named.
2021 MLB Free Agents: Predictions for Carlos Correa, Max Scherzer and Top Stars
Oct 19, 2021
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
This year's MLB free-agent class features a slew of big-name players who can be difference-makers on any team. As we inch closer to the offseason, anticipation about which teams will make a big splash to improve their rosters continues to build.
Here, we try to predict the outcomes for three of the top players set to hit the open market this year.
Prediction: Carlos Correa signs $300M contract with Detroit Tigers
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa celebrates their win against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa is poised to be baseball's next $300-million man. The 27-year-old is coming off a strong 2021 season in which he batted .279 with 26 home runs and 92 RBI while logging a career-high 7.2 WAR in the regular season. He's continued his stellar play during the postseason as well.
Correa is sure to have his fair share of suitors this offseason. Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported earlier this month that the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers are expected to be in the market for a shortstop.
Correa is open to re-signing with Houston, but his price may be too high. After Francisco Lindor signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the New York Mets this year, Correa can be expected to garner an offer close to those numbers.
One team Heyman also mentioned that makes sense for Correa is the Detroit Tigers. Signing with Detroit will reunite Correa with manager A.J. Hinch, who managed Houston from 2015-19.
The Tigers could use a major upgrade at shortstop after subpar performances from the trio of Harold Castro, Niko Goodrum and Zack Short in 2021. If Detroit wants to make the postseason for the first time since 2014, it would be wise to throw all its cash in Correa's direction and make him the ninth player in MLB history to receive a $300 million contract.
Prediction: Max Scherzer signs short-term deal to remain with Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer walks off the field after being relieved in the fifth inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer is set to become a free agent for just the second time in his career. While he's likely to receive a ton of interest on the open market, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 37-year-old stay put in Los Angeles.
Scherzer had a 15-4 record with a 2.46 ERA and 236 strikeouts this season. After being traded to the Dodgers from the Washington Nationals at this year's trade deadline, Scherzer went 7-0 with four no-decisions in 11 starts.
The Dodgers' status as perennial contenders gives them a good selling point for Scherzer, who is chasing his second World Series title. Los Angeles is down 2-0 to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series.
Scherzer struggled in his most recent start on Sunday, throwing 79 pitches and getting pulled after four and one-third innings. After the game, Scherzer said his arm "felt dead," which might raise concerns for other teams and lead to a reunion with the Dodgers.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported earlier this month that Scherzer will likely be in line for a record annual salary this offseason. The Dodgers are big spenders, so they would likely have no problem agreeing to Scherzer's contract demands.
Prediction: Yankees sign SS Corey Seager to three-year deal
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 17: Corey Seager #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his two run home run go over the wall against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Truist Park on October 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees had another disappointing finish to their season, losing to longtime rival Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Game. Despite making the playoff for five straight years, New York hasn't reached a World Series since 2009.
It's been a few years since the Yankees made a splashy move in free agency, and now would be the right time to change that. This year's free-agent class features a strong crop of shortstops in Correa, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, Marcus Semien and perhaps New York's most sensible option, Corey Seager.
Seager was limited to 95 games for the Dodgers this season after suffering a fractured hand in May, but he still managed to hit .306 with 16 homers and 57 RBI. When Los Angeles acquired shortstop Trea Turner in the Scherzer deal, it opened the door for the team to part ways with Seager this offseason.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post noted that Seager's lefty bat would fit nicely into the Yankees' righty-dominant lineup. His contact skills would also improve a team that had the sixth-most strikeouts in MLB last season.
The Yankees may choose to stand pat in free agency due to a strong farm system. Shortstop Anthony Volpe is ranked No. 15 in Bleacher Report's Top 100 prospect list after hitting .294/.423/.604 in Single-A and High-A this year. Infielder Oswald Peraza is ranked No. 60 and played at Triple-A this season.
But even if New York were to eventually call up one of those prospects, Seager has the versatility to be moved over to third base. Signing the two-time All-Star and former World Series MVP would improve the Yankees immediately.
The 27-year-old Seager does have an extensive injury history, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018. He's played fewer than 100 games in each of the last two seasons.
While Seager would command a big-money contract, it's likely the Yankees or any other team wouldn't have to shell out as much money as the Mets gave to Lindor. Signing Seager to a short-term contract would solidify New York's status as contenders in the American League and allow them to reevaluate his status if he proves he can stay healthy.
Alex Cora on Eduardo Rodriguez Mimicking Carlos Correa: 'We Don't Have to Do That'
Oct 19, 2021
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 18: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning of Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said
he told starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez that mimicking Houston
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa's celebration was a mistake.
Rodriguez pointed toward his wrist Monday night after getting Correa to ground out in the sixth inning, which is the
same thing the Astros star did after a home run in Game 1 of the
American League Championship Series.
"We just show up, we play, and we
move on, and he knows," Cora told reporters. "I let him
know. We don't have to do that. If we're looking for motivation
outside of what we're trying to accomplish, we're in the wrong
business. The only motivation we have is to win four games against
them and move on to the next round."
Rodriguez explained he got caught up in
the moment as Boston cruised to a 12-3 win in Game 3 to take a 2-1 advantage in
the series.
"That was part of the moment,"
he said. "... I will apologize to Correa if I see him in person
because that's not something I normally do. It was just part of the
game."
Alex Cora was not pleased with Eduardo Rodríguez after he mocked Carlos Correa. pic.twitter.com/QCSHEz7lfE
Correa's celebration came after he
crushed a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning of Game 1. The Astros
held on for a 5-4 win in the series opener, but the Red Sox have won
the last two contests.
The shortstop said an apology from the
Boston starter wouldn't be necessary and he hoped more players would
be willing to show emotion in key moments, which he views as a
positive for baseball.
"I thought it was kind of cool,"
Correa told reporters. "It's just the way baseball should trend
going forward. We talk about baseball growing and more people coming
to watch the sport, you need to have more things like that. You need
to let people have fun and the game should move in that direction,
where you can show emotions and be yourself and keep it real."
While Correa is right that it adds to
the entertainment value for fans, a lot of key people within baseball,
including many of those in executive and coaching positions, still
believe in the sport's unwritten rules, so those types of outward
expressions are likely years away from becoming the norm.
Cora said his message to Rodriguez, who
he pulled aside for a conversation immediately after the moment, was
simple: "Don't do that."
The right-hander delivered a strong
start in Game 3, giving up three earned runs on five hits and no
walks across six innings. He struck out seven and earned the win.
Boston, which has averaged 8.8 runs in
its six wins so far this postseason, will aim to take a commanding
3-1 series lead in Game 4 at Fenway Park on Tuesday.
The Red Sox are scheduled to send Nick
Pivetta (4.53 regular-season ERA) to the mound against the Astros'
Zack Greinke (4.16) in the critical game.
First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET on
Fox Sports 1.
When we offered picks for the best and worst landing spots for the top players on Major League Baseball's upcoming free-agent market, we were doing the easy part...
ALCS Bracket 2021: Schedule Info, Odds Guide and Series Predictions
Oct 16, 2021
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Houston Astros struck first in the ALCS on Friday night through a strong bullpen and timely hitting.
Houston used home runs from Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to surge back into the lead in the final four innings. The Astros bullpen allowed a single earned run after Framber Valdez was chased in the third inning.
Game 1 provided us with a look into how the Astros could defeat the Boston Red Sox in a short span. Boston needs better pitching to keep it in the series.
The Red Sox will throw their best starter in Game 2, as Nathan Eovaldi opposes Luis Garcia. The Red Sox shifted the momentum in their ALDS series against Tampa Bay on the road in Game 2. They have a window to take Game 2 in Houston, but that starts with better pitching.
ALCS Schedule (Houston leads 1-0)
Game 2: Saturday, October 16 (4:20 p.m. ET, Fox)
Game 3: Monday, October 18 (8:08 p.m. ET, FS1)
Game 4: Tuesday, October 19 (8:08 p.m. ET, FS1)
Game 5: Wednesday, October 20 (5:08 p.m. ET, FS1)*
Game 2: Houston (-125; bet $125 to win $100); Boston (+105; bet $100 to win $105); Over/Under: 8.5
Series Price: Houston (-270); Boston (+220)
Series Prediction
Houston in 6
Houston created an edge in the pitching matchup on Friday, but that was not established until the middle innings.
The Astros called on Yimi Garcia and Cristian Javier to stabilize things after Valdez conceded three earned runs on six hits over 2.2 innings. Valdez also walked three batters.
The seven Houston relievers used in Game 1 combined to allow one run off four hits in 6.1 innings of work. Ryan Pressly allowed the lone bullpen run on an Enrique Hernandez home run in the ninth inning.
If Houston's bullpen throws at that high of a level all series long, the Astros starters will only have to go four or five innings.
That would take the pressure off Game 2 starter Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, Zack Greinke and Jake Odorizzi. Greinke and Odorizzi could be tabbed for long relief roles, but one of them will probably have to start Game 4 to keep Valdez on full rest.
Javier is the other starting option, but that could be taken away fast if he continues to bridge the gap between the starters and the one-inning relievers.
Boston had three consecutive relief pitchers concede an earned run in Game 1 in relief of Chris Sale, who gave up one earned run off five hits in 2.2 innings.
The Red Sox need their starters to be better than Houston's unit so that their bullpen deficiencies are not exploited by the Astros power hitters.
Boston had a 4.62 staff ERA in the ALDS. The Red Sox conceded seven home runs and 31 hits against their AL East rival. The Rays scored at least four runs in each of the four games.
If Houston scores at the same clip, Boston could be in trouble since the Astros bullpen has not shown many flaws in the postseason.
Eovaldi could be the stabilizing force the Red Sox pitching staff needs. The right-handed hurler struck out eight batters over five innings in his lone ALDS start.
Even if Eovaldi shuts down the Astros, the Red Sox may not be in the driver's seat at Fenway Park. Eduardo Rodriguez had mixed results in the ALDS, and they need one of Nick Pivetta, Tanner Houck and Martin Perez to step up in Game 4. Houck gave up the game-tying home run to Altuve in Game 1.
Boston does not have an overwhelming advantage in any category. Houston's bats can be as powerful, or even better, in any game, as they proved on Friday.
The Red Sox will win a few games, but it will take something special from their bullpen to match what the Astros can do over a best-of-seven series.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
For 26 teams, the MLB offseason is already underway, so it's never too early to start diving into some predictions for how the winter months will play out once the postseason wraps up...
When the 2021 Major League Baseball postseason concludes in a few weeks, suitors will start lining up for one of the best free-agent classes in recent memory. It'll be up to those free agents to choose their next homes wisely...
Cheating Scandals, Injuries and Slumps Don't Matter: The Astros Are Inevitable
Oct 13, 2021
Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (27) celebrates his home run as Chicago White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal looks on in the ninth inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
A funny thing happens when sports teams have a long periods of sustained success: They become villains.
The Houston Astros are amid the most dominant stretch in club history. The team is headed to the ALCS for the fifth straight season after eliminating the Chicago White Sox with a 10-1 Game 4 win Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Next up is the Boston Red Sox in the penultimate American League playoff series, a familiar matchup for more reasons than just the 2018 ALCS.
They are also less than two years removed from a major sign-stealing scandal that cost the general manager, manager, bench coach and a prominent former player their jobs and cost the organization $5 million and two years of of first- and second-round draft picks. This sustained period of success has been more than tinged by scandal, it's been characterized by it.
So if any team is going to play the role of the villain, it's this one. It's the 2021 Astros.
With fans back in the stands this year following a year of COVID-controlled crowds, they let the 'Stros have it. In New York, Yankees fans brought trash cans to games and dressed as Oscar the Grouch. The Yankees faced the Astros in the ALCS in 2017 and 2019 and few fans hold grudges like those in New York.
But on the other coast, the laid back Los Angelenos were particularly angry. The Dodgers lost in back-to-back World Series to the Astros and the Red Sox, the team managed by the aforementioned bench coach, Alex Cora, went to Boston to manage the team in 2018.
Fans in the Southland felt cheated. Some even went as far as to say they should throw a World Series parade in the spring of 2020, spurred by a tweet from Yu Darvish.
If the Dodgers are planning a 2017 World Series parade, I would love to join! So if that is in the works, can someone make a Yu Garbage Jersey for me?
When the Astros visited Dodger Stadium a few months ago, the fans were relentless from the time the visitors took the field for batting practice until the series ended.The teams split the series two-game series, so neither fanbase was happy anyway.
The allegations were back this week when White Sox reliever Ryan Tepera accused the Astros of stealing signs once again. The series ended with Chicago manager Tony La Russa accusing Kendall Graveman of hitting Jose Abreu with a pitch intentionally.
"Well, I questioned after they threw those three pitches in there, they should have just ejected him," La Russa said in his postgame press conference. "It will be a good test of the character and credibility of the winning team because it was intentional. The catcher kept looking in the dugout so they did hit him intentionally."
Will it ever end for the Astros? Not anytime soon and they seem to know.
"Coming from someone like that, it's not going to matter much," Game 4 starter Lance McCullers Jr. said of Tepera's allegation.
It sums up the attitude a team like this has to have in order to move on: No one likes us, we don't care.
The same players that were on embroiled in Trash Can Gate still lead the team: Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve, the latter of which is seeing his legacy as one of the game's greatest hitters questioned. And those hitters have effectively quieted those hostile crowds by winning.
They have embraced the role of villains, because what other choice do they have?
"I don't know if they feed off of it, necessarily, but they've been constantly bombarded by negatives, especially on the road," manager Dusty Bakersaid. "But these guys come to play."
That group certainly did come to play.
Altuve went 5-for-16 with a home run, nine runs scored and a stolen base in the series. He finished the ALDS with a 1.101 OPS. Bregman went 6-for-16 against Chicago, scoring four times and driving in four runs. Correa went 5-for-13 and hit a two-run double off Carlos Rodon in the third inning in Game 4.
Rodon threw him a fastball on 0-2. It was a good pitch, but not the right pitch.
This postseason feels like a continuation of their redemption tour of sorts that began last year. James Click replaced Jeff Luhnow as the general manager and Baker—one of the most respected and revered figures in the modern game—replaced A.J. Hinch as the skipper. Baker has continually shown why he is the perfect manager for this situation, providing a steadying presence throughout the tumult on and off the field.
George Springer left in free agency last winter. The Astros lost ace Justin Verlander to Tommy John surgery last season and pitching prospect Forrest Whitley to the same surgery. Houston had a new crop of outfielders and a young rotation, but Baker deftly guided them to two straight AL West titles.
They managed to win this playoff series without veteran starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi, who was left off the roster, and relievers Pedro Baez and Rafael Montero, who are both injured.
And maybe this is a redemption tour for the 72-year-old as well. He was a castoff who was seen as too old school for today's analytical front offices a few short years ago and now he's leading one of the most analytics-heavy teams on the field.
That storyline is not lost on him.
"I didn't say they don't have a chip on their shoulder," Baker said following Game 4. "I've got a chip from all of the times I was let go. And a chip is one thing but you can't hold any animosity and hatred because it will eat you up. Positive energy lasts and negative energy dissipates."
The one fan base that can't boo the Astros is the one in Boston. Cora got his second chance after the league forced him to sit out the 2020 season as a result of the investigation. The the actions taken by the Astros and Red Sox might be in the past, but the subject will still be in the national conversation over the next few weeks as these two play for a chance to go to the World Series.
But, like Baker said, the positive energy lasts and there is a lot of positives to take into the next round, like the play of McCullers Jr., Yordan Alvarez and the relief corps.
The Astros have proven to be a juggernaut. Between the offensive onslaught against the White Sox and the Dodgers being on the ropes against the San Francisco Giants, the Astros now the favorites win the World Series. If you don't believe me, DraftKings has Houston at +190 and the Boston at +380.
Another ALCS felt inevitable from the start, and another World Series appearance feels inevitable as well.
Astros' Carlos Correa: Ryan Tepera Remarks 'Disrespectful Words with No Facts'
Oct 13, 2021
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 12: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a two run double in the third inning during Game 4 of the ALDS between the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Houston Astros eliminated the Chicago White Sox from the postseason with a 10-1 win in Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday afternoon, but that didn't stop Carlos Correa from firing back at Ryan Tepera.
The Astros shortstop called out the White Sox relief pitcher following Tuesday's win after the latter suggested Houston may have been stealing signs in the first two games of their ALDS matchup.
"They've had a reputation of doing some sketchy stuff over there. We can say it's a little bit of a difference. I think you saw the swings and misses tonight compared to the first two games at Minute Maid."
If Tepera was trying to imply that the Astros cheat at home, then he might be a little off base. Houston led the majors with a .780 road OPS, while Chicago had a .789 home OPS compared to a .729 road OPS.
The Astros were heavily disciplined ahead of the 2020 season for stealing signs and relaying information to batters during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The scandal saw the departures of manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, in addition to a $5 million fine and loss of first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.
Astros manager Dusty Baker also called out Tepera for his comments, emphasizing that his club has been better on the road this season than at Minute Maid Park.
"Those are heavy accusations. We're about the same, runs, OPS... actually better on the road than we are at home. They're actually better at home than they are on the road. I don't have much response to that," Baker told reporters Monday.
At this point, it's all in the past, and the Astros need to focus on preparing for the Boston Red Sox in the AL Championship Series, which is set to begin Friday. The Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in four games to reach the ALCS for the second time in four seasons.
MLB Playoffs 2021: Odds, Daily Fantasy Predictions for Sunday's ALDS
Oct 10, 2021
Boston Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts, right, celebrates his home run against the Tampa Bay Rays with J.D. Martinez (28) during the third inning of Game 2 of a baseball American League Division Series, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Coming off Saturday's travel day, the two American League Division Series resume Sunday.
The Houston Astros can sweep the Chicago White Sox out of the playoffs and clinch a berth in the ALCS for the fifth consecutive year. They have outscored the AL Central champs 15-5 through the first two games of the series.
In the other series, the Boston Red Sox stormed back to life with a 14-6victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 to even things up before the first game at Fenway Park.
In anticipation of these games, here are some daily fantasy projections to keep in mind if you want to add more drama to the proceedings.
Sunday Odds
Tampa Bay Rays -104 (wager $104 to win $100) at Boston Red Sox -112
Pretty much any hitter in Houston's lineup would be worthy of starting in your DFS lineup. They led MLB in runs scored during the regular season and have carried that over to the first two games of the ALDS.
Since we have to single out one player to take, though, allow yourself to be steered in the direction of Carlos Correa. The two-time All-Star has three hits in six at-bats and two RBI in the series already.
That only adds to the legend of Correa's history as a high-level postseason performer.
Astros SS Carlos Correa has 50 career postseason RBI, which ranks 7th on MLB’s all-time list. That list that includes Hall of Fame names like David Ortiz (61), Albert Pujols (54) and Reggie Jackson (48)...Correa has 50 in just 64 games, with an .877 career postseason OPS. #khoupic.twitter.com/OaEYsNSyYi
Until the White Sox figure out a way to consistently get Correa out, he's as safe a bet as anyone to have an excellent single game.
In the other dugout, Luis Robert might be the surest thing to do something special in MLB right now.
After returning from a torn hip flexor Aug. 9, Robert hit .350/.389/.622 with 12 homers in 180 at-bats over 43 games to finish the regular season. He's carried that over to the playoffs with five hits in seven at-bats against the Astros.
Luis Robert has been more or less the best player in baseball since coming back from the hip injury.
Houston is sending Luis Garcia to the mound against the White Sox in Game 3. Robert had an .860 OPS and seven homers against right-handed pitching during the regular season.
The Red Sox-Rays series features many offensive stars. While that would seem to indicate picking two hitters as the way to go, pivot in a different direction for Boston.
Nathan Eovaldi will make his first appearance in the series after pitching 5.1 innings in the AL Wild Card Game against the New York Yankees. The All-Star right-hander had the best season his career in 2021, posting a 3.75 ERA with 195 strikeouts in 182.1 innings over 32 starts.
Since these teams play in the same division, Eovaldi has had a lot of exposure to the Rays. He had a 2.39 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 15 hits allowed in 26.1 innings across four starts against Tampa Bay.
Wander Franco, the possible AL Rookie of the Year, has been a hitting machine since the start of August. He had a .323/.383/.506 slash line over his final 41 games in the regular season.
In two playoff games, Franco is 4-for-8 with two doubles. One potential drawback for the 20-year-old is his overall performance against right-handed pitching. He had just a .696 OPS against them in 183 at-bats during the regular season.
Rather than be concerned about that, though, just think of it as a small sample put up by a rookie who is the youngest player in MLB this year.
Franco has been the Rays best hitter down the stretch and has carried that over into his first postseason.
