3 keys to Astros-Red Sox ALDS Game 3

Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros celebrates a 8-2 win with Yuli Gurriel #10 against the Boston Red Sox during game one of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Getty Images)

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros essentially described the first two games of this American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox as playing out nearly perfectly. 

They scored runs early, played from in front throughout and got strong starting pitching from their aces Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel. 

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They would love to see a repeat of that, especially now that they are on the road at Fenway Park with George Springer set to see the first pitch of the game. 

READ: Everything you need to know about Astros-Red Sox

Here are three keys to the game:

1) A fast start is especially key since they are facing former Astros pitcher Doug Fister, who has struggled in the first inning this season, posting an ERA of 9.00 in the first inning and 8.40 in the second inning in his 15 starts with the Red Sox this season.

2) The Astros need to play another clean game, no shoddy fielding or extra bases allowed on bad cut off throws etc. They also have not been hurt by the Red Sox running game. Boston was third in the American League in steals during the regular season, but have only stolen one base in this series.

3) With Brad Peacock starting, there is little doubt they will another effective day from the bullpen. In his 21 starts, he recorded an out after the 6th inning in just two of them. But Peacock did deliver an 8-0 mark with a 2.88 ERA in his 12 road starts during the season. In the first two games of the series, the bullpen has tossed 6.1 innings, allowing just one run, while recording seven strikeouts. 

READ: How good was Altuve's Game 1 performance?

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