Photo Credit; sportschatplace.com
Within the last nine days, the Houston Astros have won five out of its previous six contest against the Boston Red Socks. Dating back to September 28th, including its recent 2-0 post-season lead, Dallas Keuchel (14-5), Collin McHugh (5-2), Charlie Morton (14-7), Brad Peacock (13-2) and Justin Verlander (15-7) have all beaten Red Socks pitching.
Not to leave out its offense which have outscored the Red Socks 38 to 14 over that time span. Offensive showmanship is a part of the Astros winning ways. A lineup that can hit from top to bottom usually spells disaster for most opponents.
Its recent double-digit wins were sparked in a late-season series against its rival, Texas Rangers. Back on September 25th, Houston exploded for 37 runs while sweeping the Rangers in a three-game series. The Rangers, hosting Houston in Arlington, suffered a 14-3 setback in game one and went on to drop game two and three, 12-2 the final two games.
Before that, the Astros had not recorded a double-digit victory since defeating the New York Mets 12-8 in a home game back on September 2nd.
The Red Socks lone win over the short period, came after Drew Pomeranz (17-6) defeated Lance McCullers, Jr. (7-4), 6-3 in game three, of a four-game series at Fenway Park.
Moving forward, Houston got three home runs from second baseman Jose Altuve as it posted an 8-2 victory in game one of the ALDS best of five series against Boston. Verlander got the win. Altuve, Correa, and Springer added run support to give the Astros an 8-2 victory and a commanding 2-0 lead in game two of the series. Keuchel picked up his 14th win of the season.
Houston will go for the sweep on Sunday at Fenway Park when Brad Peacock takes the mound against Doug Fister (5-9).