Free Picks: Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros

Both the Red Sox and Astros are playoff hopefuls, but it’s been Houston getting the upper hand over Boston. Struggling to pick up victories against Houston, the Red Sox aim to snap their 3-game losing skid. As for the hometown Astros, they look to turn away Boston on the 4th consecutive day.

Two of the hottest teams in the sport continue their series on Thursday. The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros are fighting for top spot in their respective divisions and are also fighting each other during an afternoon game.  

Wednesday night, the Astros narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory over the Red Sox. Boston has now lost three straight against the ‘Stros and are trying to avoid the sweep on Thursday.  

Jake Odorizzi gets the start for Houston. This season, he is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA and only 15 strikeouts. After dealing with an injury, Odorizzi returned to action on Saturday against the Padres, limiting them to one run in 5 1/3 innings. 

Opposite to Odorizzi will be Martin Perez. This season, he has 48 strikeouts and a 3-2 record, as well as a 3.55 ERA. In his career, Perez has a 2.97 ERA in 5 starts. 

I think for this free MLB prediction, I want to take the Red Sox straight up. Yes, I am well aware that Houston has taken 3 straight against Boston, but this season the Red Sox have never lost 4 in a row. 

On top of that, Boston is a decent road team. They have struggled in Houston, but their 2-1 loss yesterday is a stride in the right direction. I love the value and potential return as well, which makes me think taking the Red Sox ML will be your best MLB bet. 

If you’re not feeling the Red Sox straight up, I would suggest the under for total runs. The current line is 9 and while the Red Sox and Astros have two of the best offenses in the game, I think we’re seeing a resurgence from Odorizzi after injury. Boston’s bullpen is also commanding so runs may not come easy for Houston. 

The under is listed at +100 (Betway) and I would suggest that for an alternate expert MLB pick if the Red Sox ML doesn’t work for you. 

Either way, I have faith in Boston to come back and take a game on the road. 

Sure, the Astros smacked the Red Sox 11-2 earlier in the week, but Boston proved yesterday that they can compete with Houston.

• Boston is 12-6 as the underdog this season. 
• The Astros allow 4.23 runs per game at home this season 
• The Red Sox rank 9th in road offense (runs for)