The Houston Astros have scored the most runs per game of any team in the majors but have dealt with injuries in the starting pitching rotation, and they will need to rely upon Jake Odorizzi for a good start on Thursday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.
Odorizzi has lasted 4¹/₃ innings or fewer in three of his four starts this season. He has a 6.75 ERA and is giving up two home runs per nine innings.
The Astros back him with a bullpen that ranks 22nd in ERA and will face a Boston Red Sox lineup that is in the top four in MLB in batting average, runs per game and road home runs per game.
Boston will look to Martin Perez to continue his solid pitching away from Fenway Park, giving up two home runs across 21²/₃ innings in four road starts with a 2.91 ERA and .225 opponent batting average.
With the Red Sox leading MLB in extra-base hits and in the top 10 in bullpen ERA, this battle of AL contenders should go Boston’s way.
The play: Red Sox, +125.