Astros: 10 Key Stats for Astros vs. Red Sox ALCS

5) Team On-base Percentage

The Astros reached base slightly more than one-third of every opportunity at a .339 clip. Meanwhile, the Red Sox turned in a .328 team on-base percentage.

While both teams played 162 games, the Astros accumulated 169 more plate appearances over the season than the Red Sox. In effect, the Astros not only finished with a higher team OBP, but they sustained that higher mark over a larger amount of opportunities.

Advantage: Astros

6) Team Stolen Bases

The Red Sox stole only 40 bases all season, while getting caught stealing 21 times, good for a .656 stolen base percentage. Meanwhile, the Astros swiped 53 bags, and were thrown out 13 times, resulting in a superior .803 stolen base percentage. On the base paths, there appears a significant leg up for Houston.

Advantage: Astros

7) Team Fielding Percentage

What many might not know, is that over the last four years, the ALCS-bound Astros have turned in top-five finishes in fielding percentage. In other words, out of all 60 seasons of MLB action in Houston, the last four Astros squads have ranked better than 55 others.

While Houston achieved a .988 team fielding percentage this season, Boston has turned in a more pedestrian .981. In contrast, when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2018, their .987 team fielding percentage more closely resembled that of the ’21 Astros.

So, over the course of the seven-game series about to commence, Houston should be facing a less formidable defense than when they squared off with Boston in the 2018 postseason.

Advantage: Astros