Friday ALCS open thread

The Astros are heading home with two chances to clinch the American League pennant. I think every team in the league would sign up for that opportunity. Every club, aside from Houston, would gladly switch spots with the Red Sox. If there’s ever a team not to count out in an ALCS, it’s probably Boston.

Houston took the upper hand in the series with a convincing 9-1 victory on Wednesday. Now, with their backs against the walls, the Red Sox will turn to Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi picked up a win in Game 2 after allowing three runs over 5.1 innings, but the righty coughed up four runs in less than an inning pitching out of the bullpen in Game 4.

A shutout seems unlikely with the way Houston is swinging the bat.

The Astros will send out Luis Garcia with the series on his arm. Boston chased Garcia after just one inning with five runs in Game 2.

The game, which begins at 8:08 on FS1, could easily turn into a slugfest. Both teams should have a quick trigger with their starters. Houston’s bullpen is about as rested as one can be heading into a Game 6, and Boston has all of their high-leverage guys available after a blowout on Wednesday.

Red Sox Lineup:

1. Kyle Schwarber, 1B
2. Kiké Hernández, CF
3. Rafael Devers, 3B
4. Xander Bogaerts, SS
5. J.D. Martinez, DH
6. Alex Verdugo, LF
7. Christian Arroyo, 2B
8. Hunter Renfroe, RF
9. Kevin Plawecki, C

Astros Lineup

1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Michael Brantley, LF
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
4. Yordan Alvarez, DH
5. Carlos Correa, SS
6. Kyle Tucker, RF
7. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
8. Chas McCormick, CF
9. Martín Maldonado, C