Houston Astros vs Boston Red Sox Picks and Predictions for Friday, May 1, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 05/01/2026, 01:40 AM ET

Astros vs Red Sox Game Information

The Houston Astros stay on the road Friday night for game 1 of 3 in Boston inside Fenway Park at 7:10 PM against the Boston Red Sox. Houston has struggled this season, coming into Friday with 12 wins and 20 losses, having lost 3 of the last 5 after a 6-run road loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The Boston Red Sox return home Friday night, 7 games below .500 on a 2-game skid after a 7-run road loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Stay in the news with our MLB Picks.

Astros Preview

Offensively, Houston has been solid enough this season, with a .260 batting average. The Astros have scored 154 runs on 265 hits. Houston has been stout, with 38 home runs and a .440 team slugging percentage. The Houston pitching has been horrendous, with a 5.96 team ERA. Yordan Alvarez does everything for the Houston offense, leading the team with a .356 batting average, 12 home runs, and 27 RBI's.

Red Sox Preview

The Boston offense has been mediocre this season, with a .231 batting average, as the Red Sox have scored 123 runs on 240 hits. Boston has a .309 OBP and a .351 team slugging percentage. The Boston power has been lackluster this season as the Red Sox have combined to hit 21 total home runs. Wilyer Abreu leads the Boston offense this season with a .307 batting average. Wilson Contreras has a .262 batting average and leads the team with 7 home runs and twenty RBI's.

Astros vs Red Sox Pitching Matchup

Mike Burrows will take the mound Friday night for the Houston Astros. Thus far this season, Burrows is 1-3 overall with a 6.25 ERA across 31.2 innings of work. Boston has yet to name a starter and could rely on their bullpen. The Boston pitching staff has combined for a 4.35 team ERA this season.

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Astros vs Red Sox Pick

Both teams have had their issues thus far this season, but Boston will have the edge on Friday. Boston has played well as of late and will thrive in front of their home fans against a below-average Houston team. Look for the Red Sox to avenge an early-season sweep against Houston as they pick up their first victory of the year against the Astros. Take Boston Friday night to do the job, and get their 13th figure of the season following a win over Houston.

Pick: Boston Red Sox -115
Secondary: Under 9.5
Lean: WIlyer Abreu Over 1.5 Bases

Final Score Prediction: Boston Red Sox win 4-2.