Houston @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 7, 2018 ) Houston 6, Boston 3

The Houston Astros may not be able to catch the Boston Red Sox for the best record in the majors, but the reigning World Series champions sent a reminder that they will be a tough out in the postseason. After rallying for a 6-3 victory in the series opener, the Astros go for their seventh consecutive victory Saturday afternoon against the host Red Sox.

Houston third baseman Alex Bregman has hit safely in six straight and 17 of 18 games, collecting multiple hits for the 10th time in that span after going 2-for-3 with two runs scored on Friday. Tony Kemp delivered a pinch-hit, two-run double for the Astros, who have outscored the opposition 35-12 during their 6-0 September run. Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts collected three hits in the series opener to boost his major league-leading average to .339 while teammate J.D. Martinez drove in a pair of runs to increase his majors-best total to 117. Boston's bullpen gave up four runs Friday to absorb its eighth blown save in 44 games since the All-Star break.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (13-3, 3.14 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (12-3, 3.34)

Morton will come off the disabled list to make his first start since Aug. 28, when he allowed three runs on three hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Oakland. He beat Seattle in his previous turn despite getting tagged for six runs in five innings to improve to 5-1 in 12 road starts. Morton was roughed up in a loss to Boston on June 3, allowing six runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Rodriguez made a dazzling return following a seven-week stint on the DL, striking out a season-high 12 and giving up one run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings in a victory over the White Sox. He is 3-0 over his last four turns and has permitted one run over 22 2/3 innings in that span. Carlos Correa is 3-for-3 against Rodriguez, who has struggled in two starts against the Astros, posting an 0-1 mark and 8.10 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox ace LH Chris Sale will be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday night and start versus Toronto.

2. Bregman takes an on-base streak of 34 games into Saturday's matchup.

3. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia will not play again this season, manager Alex Cora said Friday.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Red Sox 5