HOUSTON ASTROS (95-67) VS. BOSTON RED SOX (92-70)
ALCS, GAME 1: LHP FRAMBER VALDEZ (0-0, 8.31) VS. LHP CHRIS SALE (0-0, 45.00)
Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 • Minute Maid Park • Houston, TX • 8:07 p.m. ET • FOX
The American League Championship Series begins on Friday night at 8:07 p.m. ET with the Houston Astros hosting the Boston Red Sox. The two teams are matched up in the playoffs for the third time including the 2018 ALCS when the Red Sox won in five games. However, the Astros were 5-2 against the Red Sox this season.
Lance McCullers is not on the roster after leaving Game 4 of the ALDS with right forearm tightness. Catcher Garrett Stubbs was also removed from the roster they used in the ALDS, with pitchers Jake Odorizzi and former Met Blake Taylor getting added to the roster.
Michael Brantley led the Astros with seven hits in the ALDS and Jose Altuve had a team-best four extra base hits. McCullers tossed 10 2/3 of the teams 35 innings with a sparkling ERA of 0.84.
The Red Sox made two changes to their postseason roster as well, relievers RHP Matt Barnes and LHP Austin Davis are out with relievers RHP Hirokazu Sawamura and LHP Darwinzon Hernandez replacing them.
The versatile Enrique Hernandez led the Red Sox in the ALDS with nine hits, five extra base hits, and was tied with Rafael Devers for the team lead in RBIs with six. Right-hander Garrett Whitlock tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings and picked up a win for Boston in their ALDS win over the Rays.
