Red Sox Dominate Astros, Take 2-1 Series Lead

Game Recap

The Boston Red Sox crushed the Houston Astros 12-3 on Monday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the American League Division Series. Rafael Devers led the Red Sox offense, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Xander Bogaerts also homered, while J.D. Martinez and Alex Verdugo each had two hits and two RBIs. Lance McCullers Jr. started for the Astros and gave up five runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. The Red Sox bullpen was solid, with Matt Strahm, Josh Taylor, and Garrett Whitlock combining to allow just one run on four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Box Score

• Red Sox 12, Astros 3
• Red Sox (92-70), Astros (95-67)
• Game 3: Tuesday, October 11, 7:37 p.m. ET

Pregame Analysis and Predictions

The Red Sox and Astros are two of the most evenly matched teams in the American League. Both teams have strong offenses, solid defenses, and reliable bullpens. The Red Sox have a slight edge in the starting pitching matchup, with Nathan Eovaldi taking the mound in Game 3. Eovaldi is one of the best pitchers in the league, and he has been particularly tough in the playoffs. The Astros will counter with Justin Verlander, who is also a former Cy Young winner. Verlander has been somewhat inconsistent this season, but he has always been a big-game pitcher. The game is likely to be decided by the bullpens. Both teams have solid relief corps, but the Red Sox bullpen has been especially good in the playoffs. The Red Sox are a slight favorite to win Game 3 and take a 3-1 series lead. However, the Astros are a tough team to beat, and they will be looking to even the series at two games apiece.

Live Coverage

For live updates and highlights from Game 3 of the ALDS between the Red Sox and Astros, visit ESPN.com or tune in to ESPN2.