Houston Astros (34-26) vs. Boston Red Sox (37-24)
June 10, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Boston Red Sox -114 / Houston Astros +104; Over/Under: +9
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The Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox meet Thursday in MLB action from Fenway Park. This will be the final installment in a three-game set between these teams this week. The Astros posted a six-run win Tuesday, then in the Wednesday game two Houston kept it going with a five-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Houston broke out for six runs in the first two innings on Tuesday and cruised to a 7-1 win. In the Wednesday game, the Astros posted a whopping 17 team hits in an 8-3 victory. Starter Jake Odorizzi went 5.0 innings with three earned on three hits.
For the Thursday finale, the Astros are sending Zack Greinke to the hill for the start. Over his 82.2 innings of work, Greinke has 74 hits, 31 earned runs, 10 homers allowed, 16 walks, 60 Ks and a 3.38 ERA this year.
Over on the Red Sox’ side, they got 2.0 innings with six earned on six hits out of starter Martin Perez in the Tuesday game. On Wednesday, Boston could only muster four hits despite a good first inning. Nathan Eovaldi gave up 11 hits and five earned in 5.2 innings during the defeat.
For the Thursday starting role, the Red Sox will send out Eduardo Rodriguez. Across 58.0 innings of work this year, Rodriguez has 68 hits, 36 earned runs, nine homers allowed, 14 walks, 65 Ks and a 5.59 ERA.
The Astros are 8-1 in their last nine in game three of a series and 10-2 in their last 12 Thursday games. Houston is 13-3 in their last 16 road games with the total set at 11.0 or higher and the over is 13-3-1 in the last 17 in game three of a series.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are 4-0 in their last four Thursday games and 86-42 in their last 128 in game three of a series. Boston is 16-42 in their last 58 at home versus a team with a winning record and the over is 25-9-2 in their last 36 in game three of a series.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Astros. Greinke is coming off his first complete game in over four years; he held the Blue Jays to one run on six hits Friday. As for Rodriguez, he’s struggled over his last five starts. In that span, Rodriguez has a 7.92 ERA and has given up three or more earned runs in each. If Greinke doesn’t show any signs of a complete-game hangover I think Houston is in good shape here.
