The Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox have combined for 38 runs in the first three games of the ALCS, forcing oddsmakers to open Thursday's total at a historic number.
Should the number close at the current number of 10, it will be highest total in a postseason game since 2017. Coincidentally, that was also a game between the Astros and Red Sox. The only other playoff game with a total of 10 in the last five years was 2016 between the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays.
This would make just the 16th playoff game in our Action Labs database with a total of at least 10.
Playoff games with total of 10 since 2015
| Year | Matchup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Red Sox-Astros | Under (5-4 final) |
| 2016 | Blue Jays-Rangers | Over (10-1 final) |
| 2015 | Blue Jays-Rangers | Over (8-4 final) |
| 2015 | Blue Jays-Rangers | Under (5-1 final) |
The total has gone over in each of the first three games this series, edging over 8.5 runs in the first game (5-4 final) but blasting past in Games 2 and 3. The Red Sox stormed past Houston, 9-5, in Game 2 and boat-raced the Astros 12-3 in Game 3.
Houston turns to veteran Zack Greinke on Tuesday, who will make his first start of the postseason. He hasn't completed five innings since September 14 against the Texas Rangers when he gave up seven earned runs and three homers. His last quality start was on August 23 against the Royals.
The Red Sox counter with right-hander Nick Pivetta, who threw 8 2/3 innings in two appearances against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. In his second appearance, he shut them out across four innings with seven strikeouts.
Of the 15 prior games in the Action Labs database with a total of 10 or higher, the under is 8-6-1.
