PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's MLB Underdog Game of the Month
(MLB) Houston vs. Boston,
Money Line: 111.00 Houston (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: 111.00 Houston (Away)
Result: Loss
If there's any explanation why the Red Sox opened a favorite against the Astros, I'm all ears. Because I sure don't see it.
OK, the game is in Boston. Red Sox starter Garrett Whitlock has pitched well for much of the season so far. But these factors don't come nearly close enough to bridge the gap between the Astros and Boston. The Astros are superior in every category.
The records bear this out. So does current form. Houston is 12-1 in its last 13 games. Boston is 6-14 in its last 20 games.
Both starters, Jake Odorizzi and Whitlock, are right-handed. The Astros are 8-1 in their last nine games versus a righty starter. The Red Sox are 9-19 in their last 28 games when facing a righty starter.
Odorizzi isn't splashy. He's just a solid veteran, who has a 2.65 ERA in his last three starts.
Whitlock, a converted reliever, has a 4.09 ERA in his last three starts. Only once has he even pitched into the fifth inning this season.
OK, the game is in Boston. Red Sox starter Garrett Whitlock has pitched well for much of the season so far. But these factors don't come nearly close enough to bridge the gap between the Astros and Boston. The Astros are superior in every category.
The records bear this out. So does current form. Houston is 12-1 in its last 13 games. Boston is 6-14 in its last 20 games.
Both starters, Jake Odorizzi and Whitlock, are right-handed. The Astros are 8-1 in their last nine games versus a righty starter. The Red Sox are 9-19 in their last 28 games when facing a righty starter.
Odorizzi isn't splashy. He's just a solid veteran, who has a 2.65 ERA in his last three starts.
Whitlock, a converted reliever, has a 4.09 ERA in his last three starts. Only once has he even pitched into the fifth inning this season.
