Vegas Play of the Day: Astros vs. Red Sox

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 | 11 a.m.

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun’s sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Houston Astros minus-185 vs. Boston Red Sox, $925 to win $500: Boston has shockingly won two straight road games in Houston, and the Red Sox have needed a tremendous amount of good fortune to pull off that feat and take a 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series. But when will that luck run out? 

I'm guessing today. Boston's ace, Chris Sale, will miss his scheduled start in Game 5 due to an illness, forcing David Price to take his place. Not only is Price an all-time postseason underperformer, but he's also pitching on three-days' rest now. And the Sox bullpen is in tatters behind him, meaning it will be up to Price and the likes of relievers Eduardo Rodriguez, Heath Hembree and Brandon Workman to record 27 outs. 

On the flip side, things are looking pretty good for Houston, as ace Justin Verlander will take the ball on full rest. Verlander pitched well against the Sox in Game 1, allowing 2 runs in 6.0 innings to pick up the win. Considering the Astros' offense should have its way with Price and company, even a subpar effort from Verlander should be enough to secure this game for Houston and force a Game 6 in Boston. 

Current Standings: Grimala (10-5, $10,170), Keefer (11-11-1, $9,531), Brewer (5-10-1, $5,300)