Red Sox at Astros
David Price will attempt to lead the Boston Red Sox past the host Houston Astros on Saturday as he faces them for the first time since ending his postseason victory drought against the club in October. Price registered nine strikeouts and allowed three hits over six scoreless innings to pick up the win in the clinching Game 5 as the Red Sox won the American League Championship Series over Houston en route to capturing the World Series title.
Price was 0-9 in postseason play prior to his memorable ALCS win and now will look to help Boston rebound from Friday's 4-3 loss in the opener of the three-game series. Roberto Osuna converted his 25th consecutive save opportunity, breaking the Astros' franchise record set in 2005 by Brad Lidge. Houston won the opener despite recording just four hits, one of which was Jake Marisnick's solo homer, while the Red Sox received solo shots from Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Christian Vasquez. J.D. Martinez (illness/back) went 0-for-3 with a walk after missing the previous four games as Boston lost for the second time in six contests.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (2-2, 3.29 ERA) vs. Astros RH Brad Peacock (5-2, 3.59)
Price returned from a stint on the injured list due to elbow issues to defeat Toronto on Monday. The 33-year-old gave up two unearned runs and three hits over five innings and was removed after 67 pitches. Price is 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 12 career regular-season appearances (10 starts) against the Astros and has enjoyed success against Josh Reddick (0-for-11) and George Springer (5-for-24, one homer, 14 strikeouts).
Peacock has won three straight starts, allowing one run and eight hits with 24 strikeouts in 17 innings during that stretch. The 31-year-old gave up two hits over five scoreless frames against the Chicago White Sox in his last turn, registering nine strikeouts without issuing a walk. Peacock is 1-2 with an 8.36 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) versus Houston and has struggled with Steve Pearce (4-for-7, one homer).
WALK-OFFS
1. Springer (hamstring) departed in the eighth inning in his first appearance since sitting out four straight games due to back soreness, and MGR A.J. Hinch told reporters the following after the game: "I'm not looking forward to the diagnosis, to be honest."
2. Boston INF Brock Holt (eye/shoulder) could return from the 10-day injured list this weekend.
3. Houston RHP Ryan Pressly served up a homer to Bradley in the eighth inning on Friday to snap his major league-record streak of 40 straight scoreless appearances dating back to August.