Houston at Boston

Fourth game of a 10-game road trip for Houston. The pitching staff is wearing down, losing eight of 12 and allowing nine or more runs three times. They gave up 13 hits and 10 runs in yesterday's loss here. The Astros are 5-14 against a team with a losing record. Collin McHugh goes for Houston with the team 2-7 in his last nine starts, 2-5 on the road, plus the Astros are 0-5 in McHugh's last five starts as an underdog. The defending champs are playing up to their talent finally, on runs of 7-3 and 5-1. Righty Joe Kelly (2.08 ERA) makes his Fenway debut with the Red Sox. He was acquired at the trade deadline from St. Louis for RHP John Lackey, so he will be primed to impress his new fans and teammates. The Astros are 5-17 in the last 22 meetings, plus 1-9 at Fenway Park. Play Boston.