The Boston Red Sox are looking to snap a three-game home losing streak when they welcome the Houston Astros to Fenway Park this Friday. Both teams have struggled early in the season, making this matchup a critical opportunity to turn things around.
Boston enters the game with a 12-19 record, placing them fifth in the AL East. Their home performance has been a mixed bag at 5-8, but they've shown resilience when they out-hit opponents, boasting a 10-1 record in those games. The Red Sox will send Jake Bennett to the mound for his season debut, while the Astros counter with Mike Burrows, who carries a 1-3 record and a 6.25 ERA.
Houston, sitting at 12-20 and fourth in the AL West, has struggled on the road with a 4-12 record. They've been competitive in tight games, going 1-2 in one-run contests. This marks the fourth meeting between these two clubs this season, adding another chapter to their early-season rivalry.
Key players to watch include Boston's Wilyer Abreu, who has been a bright spot with six doubles, a triple, and four home runs. Marcelo Mayer has also been hot, going 10-for-27 with three doubles in his last 10 games. For the Astros, Yordan Alvarez continues to dominate with nine doubles and 12 home runs, while Christian Walker has been on a tear, hitting 14-for-40 with three doubles, three homers, and eight RBIs over the past 10 games.
Over their last 10 games, the Red Sox have gone 4-6 with a .238 batting average and a 4.34 ERA, being outscored by just one run. The Astros have also posted a 4-6 record in that span, but with a .281 batting average and a 5.83 ERA, they've been outscored by nine runs. Both teams will look to tighten up their performances as they aim to climb the standings.
Injury concerns loom large for both sides. Boston's lengthy list includes Garrett Crochet, Justin Slaten, Patrick Sandoval, Kutter Crawford, Triston Casas, Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, Romy Gonzalez, and Tanner Houck. Houston is also dealing with key absences, including Zach Dezenzo, Jeremy Pena, Taylor Trammell, Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Brandon Walter, Nate Pearson, Joey Loperfido, Ronel Blanco, Jake Meyers, Nick Allen, and Tatsuya Imai.
With the Red Sox favored at -114 and the over/under set at 9.5 runs, this game promises to be a battle of two teams eager to find their rhythm. Will Boston's home crowd help them break the streak, or will Houston's offense prove too much? Tune in to find out.