MLB Playoffs - Red Sox and Angels in the ALDS

Angels Looking to Break Out of Postseason Slump against BoSox

The Boston Red Sox (95-67 SU, 83-79 RL, 76-77-9 O/U) will meet in the postseason for the third consecutive season and fourth time in six seasons when they battle in Game 1 of their ALDS showdown at Angel Stadium tonight at 9:30 PM ET.

Los Angeles will be looking to snap out of a pitiful 1-9 postseason mark against the Red Sox and both ballclubs enter this game riding solid winning streaks that finished off their regular season schedules.

Boston has won four straight games including their regular season finale when they spanked the Cleveland Indians 12-7 on Sunday.

Los Angeles won three straight and seven of eight to close out the regular season, beating the Oakland A’s 5-3 in their regular season finale.

The Red Sox will give the ball to left-hander Jon Lester (15-8, 3.41 ERA) in Game 1 while the Angels counter with staff ace right-hander John Lackey (11-8, 3.83 ERA).

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends and MLB Odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert MLB Free Picks.

• Red Sox are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
• Red Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 Divisional Playoff games.
• Red Sox are 4-0 in Lester’s last 4 starts vs. American League West.
• Red Sox are 5-1 in Lester’s last 6 starts as a road favorite.
• Angels are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
• Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
• Angels are 22-6 in their last 28 games as a home underdog.
• Angels are 7-1 in Lackey’s last 8 starts with 6 days of rest.
• Angels are 5-13 in Lackey’s last 18 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
• Under is 4-0 in Lackey’s last 4 starts vs. Red Sox.
• Red Sox are 4-1 in Lester’s last 5 starts vs. Angels.
• Under is 3-1-1 in Lester’s last 5 starts vs. Angels.
• Angels are 3-14 in Lackey’s last 17 starts vs. Red Sox.
• Angels are 1-5 in Lackey’s last 6 home starts vs. Red Sox.

MLB Odds

• Boston Red Sox -1½ +145
• Jon Lester –L -115
• Los Angeles Angels +1½ -165
• John Lackey –L -105
• Over 8 -115
• Under 8 -105

The Starters: Jon Lester has gone 2-1 over his last three starts with a 4.91 ERA while John Lackey has gone 1-0 over his last three starts with a high 8.31 ERA.

Analysis: The Boston Red Sox have gone an impressive 6-1 in their last seven Divisional Playoff games and a perfect 4-0 in Jon Lester’s last four starts against AL West ballclubs and 5-1 in Lester’s last six starts as a road favorite.

However, I am taking the Los Angeles Angels to win this ballgame as they’ve gone a scorching 7-1 in their last eight games overall and 4-1 in their last five home games overall.

The Angels have also gone an impressive 22-6 in their last 28 games as a home underdog and 7-1 in John Lackey’s last eight starts with six days of rest.

I know the Red Sox have gone 4-1 in Jon Lester’s last five starts versus the Angels while L.A. has gone a dismal 1-5 in John Lackey’s last six home starts against the Red Sox, but I think the Angels are ready to break out of their horrific funk against the Red Sox.