8:07 p.m. ET: Boston Red Sox (96-71) at Houston Astros (98-68)

Odds: Red Sox +125 / Astros -135
Total:  8.5 -105 / -115

The Red Sox are going with Chris Sale as the starter for Game 1 against Houston’s Framber Valdez in a battle of lefties. Sale was hit hard last Friday, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits in 1 inning. He is 5-3 with a 2.20 ERA in nine career starts against the Astros. Valdez did not do well in his lone postseason action last week after posting an 11-6 record with a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts during the regular season. He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings against the White Sox on Friday. Valdez has a 2-1 record with a 1.59 ERA in 4 career appearances against the Red Sox. The Astros were ranked 4th in the league in wOBA against lefties this season but the Red Sox weren’t too far behind at 8th. The Red Sox were just 4 games over .500 vs. lefties this year. The Astros offense has been red hot and against a struggling Sale, should have no problem putting up runs. Look for the Astros to take Game 1 of the ALCS.  

The Bookie:          Astros -135 / Over 8.5 -105
Fade the Public:   Red Sox / Under
Sharp Action:       Astros / Under