:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70000901/1346765128.0.jpg)
The Red Sox and Astros start the ALCS on Friday, Game One of a best-of-seven series to see who will be representing the American League in the World Series. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game.
First Pitch Time and Place
8:07 PM ET; Minute Maid Park; Houston, Texas
Pitching Matchup
Chris Sale vs. Framber Valdez
The Red Sox made a surprising decision to start this series with Chris Sale on the mound. The nominal ace has been struggling in his last couple of outings, lasting just an inning in his last start against the Rays in the ALDS. He was not healthy for either of the two previous series between these clubs. Valdez, meanwhile, got hit around a bit himself in his ALDS start against the White Sox, allowing four runs over 4 1⁄3 innings, though he did strike out six with just one walk. In two previous outings against Boston, the lefty tossed 14 1⁄3 innings, allowing just two runs with 18 strikeouts and two walks.
How to watch
Like I said above, not, just, like with your eyes. FOX has the broadcast for this game, with Joe Buck and John Smoltz back in the booth.
How to listen
Not just, like, with your ears. WEEI and ESPN Radio have the calls for these games.
Odds
You can find the game odds from DK Sportsbook here. The Astros are favorites in this game, which is a little bit of a surprise just with the pitching matchup. That said, with the way Sale has looked in his last two outings it’s certainly understandable.