Red Sox vs Astros Prediction - MLB Picks 8/23/23

Houston Astros (71-55) vs Boston Red Sox (66-59)

Game Info: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 8:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)

Jose Urquidy (2-3) (5.21) vs Chris Sale (5-3) (4.50)

Betting Odds: Houston Astros -101 / Boston Red Sox -116 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros face off on Wednesday in an MLB showdown at Minute Maid Park. On Tuesday it was the Astros that were able to secure the 7-3 victory.

Red Sox Need the Offense to get Going

The Red Sox’s offense was locked by Justin Verlander on Tuesday and they are going to need to find a way to get their offense going in this game. The Red Sox are averaging 4.88 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.64 runs per game. The offense is ranked 8th while the pitching is ranked 18th. On the mound for the Red Sox will be Chris Sale who sits with a 5-3 record and an ERA of 4.50. In his last start against the Nationals he went 4.1 innings giving up two hits and three runs.

Red Sox Betting Trends

The Red Sox have lost each of their last six games against American League opponents that held a winning record.
The Red Sox have failed to cover the run line each of their last six games against American League opponents that held a winning record.
The Red Sox have won the first inning in six of their last nine games as underdogs against American League opponents.
The Red Sox have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last six games at Minute Maid Park against AL West opponents that held a winning record.
The Red Sox have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last six games against American League opponents that held a winning record.

Urquidy Hasn’t Been Good Enough

On the mound for the Astros will be Jose Urquidy and he sits with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 5.21. In his last start against the Seattle Mariners he went two innings giving up two hits and zero runs. The Astros need him to go deeper in the game, and they are going to need the pitching to be good. The Astros are averaging 4.89 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.22 runs per game.

Astros Betting Trends

The Astros have lost three of their last four games as favorites against AL East opponents following a home win.
The Astros have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as favorites against AL East opponents following a win.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Astros' last six night games against AL East opponents.
The Astros have lost the first inning in three of their last four games as favorites against American League opponents.
The Astros have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last six games as favorites against American League opponents.

Astros and Red Sox Facts

The Houston Astros ranks 6th in the league for runs scored this season (624).
The Houston Astros ranks 6th in the league for ERA this season (3.84).
The Boston Red Sox ranks 3rd in the league for batting average this season (.262).
The Boston Red Sox are one of only 4 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both strikeouts and on-base percentage this season.

Shane’s Free Pick

I don’t trust Urquidy and even though he was better in his last start, he didn’t go deep and he’s going to really struggle again in this game. The Red Sox’s bats are finally going to get back on the right track and that is going to be the difference as Boston is going to get the job done here. Back the Red Sox on the money line to cash here.