Sports

Sox set for postseason rematch with Astros

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

BOSTON — For the Red Sox to make their fourth World Series appearance in the past fourteen years, they’ll have to beat the defending champs.

Houston enters the ALCS on a roll after sweeping Cleveland in the Division Series. The Astros were clicking on all cylinders, outscoring the Indians 21-6 over the course of three games.

“The first day of spring training I had a pretty good feel for our team’s approach, and our mindset,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. “As you can see, our guys are pretty hungry to advance.”

Astros outfielder George Springer stood out in the ALDS, hitting .429 with three home runs.

“It’s one of those times where the lights get brighter, the stage gets a little bit bigger,” said Springer. “Guys tend to concentrate more, you hone in on stuff.”

Waiting in Boston is a Red Sox squad that’s won 111 games this year, including three against the Yankees in ALDS.

“A lot of people gave up on us after losing game two,” said Sox manager Alex Cora. “We showed up (Monday) and did an outstanding job. (Tuesday), we had our plan mapped out. Rick (Porcello) was outstanding and the bullpen did an outstanding job.”

Cora earned a championship ring last season as the Astros bench coach and knows his familiarity with the Houston franchise will be a main storyline entering the ALCS.

“I don’t know too much about them,” Cora said with a smile. “They have a good team, what they did to the Indians was impressive. They can pitch, they play good defense, they’ve been swinging the bat well. I’ve been talking about them the whole season, so now we go - best of seven. They know me. I know them. It should be fun.”

Game One is scheduled for 8:09 ET on Saturday night at Fenway Park. Chris Sale will pitch for the Red Sox, opposed by Justin Verlander for Houston.

Sam Knox is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports Department. Follow Sam on Twitter: @SamKnox_4