Game Overview
The Boston Red Sox (66–54) head to Texas to continue their three-game set against the Houston Astros (67–52) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at Daikin Park in Houston, with coverage on local networks. Both clubs are firmly in the playoff picture — Boston battling for an AL Wild Card spot and Houston aiming to hold off challengers in the AL West. For more breakdowns like this, visit our MLB betting previews section.
Team Analysis
Boston Red Sox
Boston has been riding a strong stretch of offensive consistency, with Rafael Devers anchoring the lineup and Wilyer Abreu emerging as a dangerous bat in the middle order. The rotation has been steady, and Walker Buehler’s recent run of form has provided a boost to their road outlook.
Houston Astros
Houston is finding its rhythm offensively thanks to Yordan Álvarez and Jose Altuve, while Hunter Brown has been a strikeout machine when his fastball command is locked in. The bullpen has been solid at home, and the Astros’ 2025 home record speaks to their comfort at Daikin Park.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Starter | Record / ERA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sox | Walker Buehler (RHP) | 9–7, 3.86 ERA | Experienced postseason arm with a plus fastball/curve combo; thrives in big-game settings and limits damage when ahead in counts. |
| Astros | Hunter Brown (RHP) | 10–6, 4.15 ERA | Power righty with high strikeout potential; vulnerable if walks pile up but tough to square up when pitching aggressively. |
Assessment: Buehler brings the edge in experience and playoff-caliber composure, but Brown’s ability to rack up strikeouts at home keeps this close.
Head-to-Head & Storylines
Boston has taken the upper hand in recent matchups, but Houston’s offense has looked sharper in August. With both starters capable of deep outings, this could come down to which bullpen bends first. A wildcard factor is the Astros’ ability to run — they may try to pressure Boston’s defense with aggressive baserunning.
Key Players to Watch
- Red Sox: Rafael Devers — a left-handed bat with the ability to neutralize high-velocity righties.
- Astros: Yordan Álvarez — in the midst of a hot streak, his power could be a game-changer in a tight contest.
Recent Form & Critical Factors
Boston has gone 7–3 in its last 10, leaning on timely hits and steady pitching. Houston is 6–4 in the same span, finding balance between run production and bullpen reliability. Check out our full slate of MLB previews for more insights into these trends.
Best Bets & Prediction
- Under 8.0 Runs — Both starters have the ability to suppress scoring, especially in a ballpark that can play neutral at night.
- First Five Innings — Under 4.5 — Expect a slower offensive start as both pitchers settle in.
- Astros Moneyline (-165) — Home-field advantage and bullpen depth give Houston the slight edge.
Final Score Prediction: Astros 4 – Red Sox 3. A close contest where the late innings swing Houston’s way with clutch relief pitching and a key RBI double from Álvarez.
