ALCS Game 1 at a glance

Astros-Red Sox Game 1 Preview: Goliath vs. Goliath

Astros-Red Sox Game 1 Preview: Goliath vs. Goliath
Justin Verlander is back on the mound tonight. Elsa/Getty Images

With three wins down, the Astros will look to get four more in the ALCS to move on to their second consecutive World Series. To do so, they'll have to go through a much tougher Boston team than they played in the ALDS last year. Here are the details for today's Game 1. Look for our full recap after the game:

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fenway Park, Boston.

TV: TBS.

Streaming: TBS App.

Pitching matchup: Justin Verlander vs. Chris Sale.

Series: Tied 0-0.

The breakdown: Much like Game 1 of the ALDS where the Astros had Verlander vs. Kluber for the Indians, the ALCS will also pit ace against ace in Game 1 with Verlander going against Chris Sale. Sale pitched in relief in the Game 4 win on Tuesday night so it will be interesting to see if that plays a factor at all in his velocity or performance tonight. Verlander, meanwhile, will be on extended rest with his last time on the mound going back to ALDS Game 1 on Oct. 5, and he typically prefers to keep a steady schedule to stay sharp. Look for the Astros to build on the strong road offense they displayed when they eliminated the Indians so they can steal one or both of these first two games in Boston before returning to Houston. 

Series schedule:

 Result / Date & Time Location   Pitching matchup
Game 1Tonight, 7:00 PM Boston   Verlander vs. Sale
Game 2Sun. 10/14, 6:00 PM Boston   Cole vs. Price
Game 3Tues. 10/16, 4:00 PM Minute Maid   Keuchel+ vs. TBD
Game 4Wed. 10/17, 7:30 PM Minute Maid   Morton+ vs. TBD
Game 5*Thu. 10/18, 7:00 PM Minute Maid   Verlander+ vs. TBD
Game 6*Sat. 10/20, 4:00 PM Boston   Cole+ vs. TBD
Game 7*Sun. 10/21, 6:30 PM Boston   TBD vs. TBD

* Games 5-7 are if necessary.
+-projected starters.

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The Astros are looking to avoid being swept at home. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.

Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.

Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.

All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.

Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.

With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs

Astros lineup for the finale

What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).

 

  Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

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