Series Preview: Boston Red Sox to Take On Houston Astros in 3-Game Home Set

The Boston Red Sox won two games of an important three-game set against the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium this week.

The Red Sox return home for another important three-game series against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park this weekend.

The Astros come into this series after winning two games of a three-game set against the Texas Rangers on the road.

The Red Sox currently sit at 61-52-51 on the season, 27-28 in home games and third place in the AL East, 5.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees who are tied for the lead in the division.

The Astros currently sit at 59-55 on the season, 27-29 in away games and first place in the AL West.

This series is an important one as the Red Sox are fighting for the final Wild Card spot.

Pitching Matchups:

Game 1:

Boston - RHP Tanner Houck, 8-8, 3.09 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 134 IP, 123 strikeouts to 35 walks.

Houston - RHP Ronel Blanco, 9-6, 2.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 124 IP, 121 strikeouts to 48 walks.

Game 2:

Boston - Undecided

Houston - RHP Spencer Arrighetti, 4-10, 5.33 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 98 IP, 116 strikeouts to 49 walks.

Game 3:

Boston - LHP James Paxton, 9-3, 4.42 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 99.2 IP, 73 strikeouts to 50 walks.

Houston - RHP Hunter Brown, 9-7, 3.98 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 122 IP, 130 strikeouts to 46 walks.

Series schedule for the Red Sox and Royals:

Game 1: Friday, Aug. 9, 7:10 p.m. ET

Game 2: Saturday, Aug. 10, 4:10 p.m. ET

Game 3: Sunday, Aug. 11, 1:35 p.m. ET