THE SOCCER REPORT
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Feb 25, 2020, 7:40 am
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The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox meet Wednesday night at Daikin Park with the three-game set hanging in the balance. After splitting the first two matchups, both clubs enter looking to grab a momentum-shifting win as the playoff race tightens in August.
Hunter Brown (9-5, 2.51 ERA) takes the mound for Houston, aiming to bounce the Astros back from Tuesday’s blowout loss — a setback that left them tied with Seattle for first in the AL West. The right-hander has been one of baseball’s most effective pitchers this season, limiting hitters to a 0.98 WHIP and striking out 160.
The Red Sox counter with Walker Buehler (7-6, 5.40 ERA), who’s still finding his footing after joining Boston’s rotation. Buehler’s strikeout stuff remains evident, but limiting damage early will be key against a Houston lineup that ranks top 10 in the majors with a .322 on-base percentage.
Jose Altuve continues to power the Astros’ attack, racking up 40 extra-base hits, while Carlos Correa has been scorching hot, batting .400 over his last 10 games. For Boston, Jarren Duran’s blend of gap power and speed remains a constant threat, and rookie Roman Anthony has been a spark plug in August.
For Houston, the night is about more than just the standings. With Boston already owning a 4-1 edge in the season series, a win would help erase Tuesday’s sting and send a message that the banged up Astros can still handle a team with postseason potential. Expect another charged atmosphere, especially with familiar faces and recent drama adding extra juice to what’s already been a lively series.
Betting odds
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -170, Red Sox +142; over/under is 8 runs
Starting lineup
At first glance, you'll notice Correa is getting the night off. Pena will leadoff and play shortstop, followed by Jesus Sanchez (LF), and Jose Altuve who's back at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
Christian Walker (1B) slides back into the cleanup spot, with Victor Caratini hitting fifth as the DH. Yainer Diaz will catch again, hitting sixth, with the red-hot Ramon Urias filling in for Correa at third and hitting seventh. Cam Smith will hit eighth and play right field, followed by center fielder Jacob Melton.
Roster Moves
RHP Jordan Weems joins the major league roster, with Colton Gordon heading to Sugar Land after a disappointing performance on Tuesday night.
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