ALCS moves back to Houston for Game 6

Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros

(HOU leads 3-2)

Much like the Dodgers did in Game 4 of their series, the Red Sox followed up a big win, in this case a blowout and not a comeback, with a huge letdown.

The Astros took Games 4 and 5 in commanding fashion with an 18-3 combined score. Now they come back home needing only one win to clinch a spot in the Fall Classic.

Alex Cora’s decision to pitch Nathan Eovaldi in relief in Game 4 to tie and preserve the 2-2 tie ultimately was unsuccessful since the right-hander gave up the lead and took the loss, but that move could still impact the team as we don’t know what Eovaldi the Red Sox will get in Game 6 on Friday.

You can never know for sure the actual effect that a drastic change in routine can have, maybe the pitcher just has a bad day regardless, however no one can doubt the possibility of a negative impact even if it doesn’t actually happen.

This series seems in the hands of Houston but the last time this team went home with a 3-2 lead in a postseason series it proceeded to lose the next two in their backyard in the 2019 World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Game 6 of the ALCS is relevant to the Dodgers not just because of a potential matchup next week, but also because of Game 6 of the NLCS in Atlanta. If the Astros eliminate the Red Sox on Friday, Saturday’s Dodgers-Braves game starts at 5:08 p.m. PT, but if Boston forces an ALCS Game 7, then Game 6 of the NLCS will start at 2:08 p.m. PT on Saturday.

Friday’s MLB Postseason Schedule

ALCS Game 6

Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros

(Astros leads series 3-2)

Pitching Matchup: Nathan Eovaldi (BOS) vs Luis Garcia (HOU)

Time: 5:08 PM PT

Venue: Minute Maid Park