HOUSTON – The Houston Astros opened their American League Division Series with an 8-2 win over the Boston Red Sox in game 1 behind solid starting pitching from their ace Justin Verlander and a spectacular three home run game from Jose Altuve.
The better news is the Astros will send their “other” ace to the mound in game 2 looking to really take control of this best-of-five series before they head to Boston for game three.
Here are four keys to the game:
1) For the Astros to nail down a game two win, they'll Keuchel to mirror Verlander's strong opening inning. Verlander was able to post a first inning zero and before he threw his next pitch, he and the team were sitting on a 2-0 lead thanks to home runs from Alex Bregman and Altuve. Keuchel did not face the Red Sox this season, but was on a good roll to end the season and also should be fresh, having not pitched since September 26.
2) Getting off to a good start could potentially do a lot to dampen the spirits of the Red Sox after what happened in game one.
3) Houston has seen Red Sox starter Drew Pomeranz twice this season and he got the best of them on both occasions, including a strong six-inning effort this past weekend at Fenway Park. He likes to paint the corners and when he's on, It's tough to not swing at his pitches that are not good pitches to hit. The Astros hitters need to have patience at the plate, while being ready to pounce on pitches that catch too much of the plate - not an easy balance.
4) The Astros will also need their bullpen to deliver as they did in the opener. I think it was easy to see how the Astros would like to use their bullpen when they have a lead in this series. Confidence in Chris Devenski and Joe Musgrove is extremely high and their performances yesterday showed why. Having Ken Giles fresh for when he might be needed is a huge plus, he was 19-for-19 in save chances at Minute Maid Park this season.
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