The Red Sox have made it all the way from the Wild Card game to the ALCS, but I think Houston will prove too difficult, at least here in the first game of the series. Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 ERA) was not at his sharpest against the White Sox in his ALDS start, but the team still won the game 9-4 and Valdez has posted a 1.59 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Red Sox. Boston lefty Chris Sale (5-1, 3.16 ERA) was lit up for five runs on four hits and a walk in just one inning against Tampa Bay in his last start. Sale made only nine starts this season as he worked his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Red Sox are 5-13 in their last 18 games as a road underdog. Astros are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a favorite. Red Sox are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

10* play on Houston Astros.