The Boston Red Sox have the Houston Astros on the ropes, leading the American League Championship Series 3-1. We're hours away from the ALCS Game 5 matchup on Thursday night in Houston, and the Astros turn to Game 1 starter Justin Verlander to hold down the Boston bats and send the series back to Fenway Park. It's do-or-die time for the defending champions.

Thursday, Oct. 18 - ALCS Game 5 

Price (BOS) +155 / +1.5 -135 / O 8 Verlander (HOU)  -1.5 +105 / -195 / U 8

The Red Sox are saving ace lefty Chris Sale for Game 6. Good idea, and the Astros should hammer lefty David Price again. Price started Game 2 and lasted less than 5 innings allowing 4 runs, 4 BB and a home run. Price had no decision, as Boston’s bats bailed him out to win 7-5. Price has yet to win a playoff game in his career, and his teams are now 1-10 with that Game 2 victory.

Verlander was one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, and he earned the Game 1 win over Boston going 6.0 innings and allowing 2 runs and just 2 hits in a 7-2 win. Boston has since won 3 straight, and all four games have gone over the total with 9 total runs the fewest of the four games. Still, the Astros bullpen is stronger and will provide necessary relief while Boston turns to their bullpen early in ALCS Game 5.

(Adjusted World Series Odds: Boston -110 / Houston +900)

Price was warming up in the bullpen during the later innings of Game 4 for a potential relief appearance. Now he’ll start Game 5, and in the biggest mismatch on the mound this series, the Astros win and send the series back to Boston for Game 6.

Not a fan of laying big prices, so we’ll play the run line on Houston at a plus price, +105.

ALCS Game 5 Betting Pick - HOU -1.5 +105