Astros at Red Sox
The Houston Astros have been giving the scoreboard operator a workout this week, registering double-digit run performances in each of their last four games. Winners of 12 of their last 14 overall, the Astros look to keep their offense clicking on all cylinders Friday in the second contest of their four-game series versus the host Boston Red Sox.
Houston (99-60) has outscored the opposition 49-9 and recorded 63 hits during its four-game winning streak to keep the heat on Cleveland (100-59) as the clubs bid for the top spot in the American League. Carlos Correa posted his second straight four-hit performance to improve to 15-for-25 with three homers, 13 RBIs and nine runs scored during his last six games overall and 9-for-15 versus Boston this season. The Red Sox have answered a six-game winning streak by losing three of four, but their magic number to capture their second AL East title in as many seasons was reduced to one after the second-place New York Yankees dropped a 9-6 decision to Tampa Bay on Thursday. Xander Bogaerts had an RBI single in a 12-2 rout on Thursday, improving to 11-for-27 with nine runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (13-7, 3.63 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Doug Fister (5-8, 4.87)
Morton allowed just one run for the second straight outing on Saturday to improve to 8-4 with a 3.33 ERA in 14 starts since being activated from the disabled list. "My sinker was moving pretty good today," the 33-year-old Morton told reporters after scattering four hits over seven innings in a 6-2 triumph versus the Los Angeles Angels. "... I threw some decent changeups, some decent sinkers and fortunately the balls that were put in play found some guys." Morton has flustered Hanley Ramirez (1-for-13) in his career and kept Chris Young (3-for-12) at bay while having limited experience the other members of the Red Sox.
Fister saw his winless stretch extend to three outings on Sunday after allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Cincinnati. The 33-year-old has posted an 0-1 mark while permitting 14 runs on 19 hits in 11 1/3 innings in that stretch. Fister has sputtered at Fenway Park this season, recording a 3-6 mark with a 4.93 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia is 3-for-33 during his last nine contests.
2. Houston OF Marwin Gonzalez is 12-for-20 with one homer, eight RBIs and six runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.
3. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi went 0-for-4 in the series opener and is 1-for-13 against the Astros this season.