Big Orange Machine: Astros Face Red Sox In ALDS Opener Today

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Astros’ road to the World Series kicks off this afternoon with the first pitch at 3:08 p.m. at Minute Maid Park in the first game of the American League Division Series.

The Astros, who finished with a 101-61 record this season, will face the Boston Red Sox, who won the American League East Division with a 93-69 record.

The game figures to be a pitching duel between Astros pitcher and Cy Young Award Winner Justin Verlander, and Red Sox hurler Chris Sale.(Want to get daily news updates and news of other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

Verlander, who joined the Astros on Sept. 1 from the Detroit Tigers, is flawless with a 5-0 record since signing with the team.

Dallas Keuchel will start game two of the series on Friday against left hander Drew Pomeranz.

The Astros have been hot for much of the 2017 season, and have a strong winning record at home and on the road, as they dominated the American League West.

"This is the way our team is built,'' catcher Brian McCann told ESPN. "We've got 12 guys that work counts. We've got 12 guys that swing inside the strike zone. Our lineup flows from top to bottom.”

While the series could go either way, comparatively the edge goes to the Astros in pitching strength, bullpen strength and a potent offense led by George Springer, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Beltran, McCann and Yuli Gurriel.

The Astros will travel to Boston on Saturday, and play game 3 and 4 at Fenway Park.

IMAGE: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 27, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Verlander starts game one of the ALDS today against the Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Send your tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com