Boston @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2019 ) Boston 12, Texas 10

After losing five of their previous seven contests, the Boston Red Sox took out their frustrations in the opener of a three-game set against the Texas Rangers. Boston looks to clinch its final road series of the season when it visits Texas on Wednesday for the middle contest.

J.D. Martinez went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and reigning American League MVP Mookie Betts homered as the Red Sox watched every member of their lineup register at least one hit in Tuesday's 12-10 victory. Betts, who is one blast away from reaching 30 for the third time in four seasons, may have to wait to hit the milestone after leaving the series opener after two innings with pain in his left foot. Texas outhit Boston 15-14 and attempted to battle back from a 12-5 deficit before suffering its eighth loss in nine contests in the opener of its final homestand at Globe Life Park. Rougned Odor homered and drove in three runs, rookie Scott Heineman also recorded three RBIs and Elvis Andrus went 3-for-3 to give him hits in 11 of his last 12 games for the Rangers, who will move across the street to Globe Life Field next season.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (13-12, 5.56 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Kolby Allard (4-1, 4.25)

A pending free agent, Porcello is coming off a no-decision at Tampa Bay on Friday in which he scattered three hits over six scoreless innings. Despite surrendering six runs in two of the outings, the 30-year-old native of New Jersey has gone 5-0 in six turns on the road since yielding five runs over 4 2/3 frames against the Yankees in New York on June 1. Porcello is 7-4 with one shutout and a 4.94 ERA in 13 career starts versus Texas, including a no-decision at home on June 12 in which he permitted two runs over 6 2/3 innings.

Allard was saddled with the loss at Houston last Wednesday despite giving up only two runs on four hits and four walks in five innings. Although he owns a 1-0 record, the 22-year-old rookie from California has posted a 7.36 ERA in three turns at home as opposed to a 2.60 mark in five road outings. Allard, who has served up only two home runs in 42 1/3 innings this season, will be facing Boston for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Hunter Pence, who hasn't played since Aug. 22 due to a lower-back injury, told reporters on Tuesday that he is done for the season.

2. Boston 3B Rafael Devers recorded a pair of hits in the series opener, leaving him six shy of 200 for the season.

3. Texas recalled RHP Phillips Valdez from Triple-A Nashville prior to Tuesday's contest.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 9, Rangers 4