World Series 2018: Updated Predictions Before Red Sox vs. Astros ALCS Game 3

The Houston Astros stormed out of the gates with a 7-2 victory over Boston in Game 1 of the ALCS, before the Red Sox evened things up with a 7-5 win on Sunday night.

The series now shifts to Houston, with the first pitch of Game 3 scheduled for 5:09 p.m. ET from Minute Maid Park. TBS will have the broadcast.

Ahead you'll find a few bold predictions for the game, including the final score.

Nathan Eovaldi Continues Boosting his Free-Agent Stock

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After missing the 2017 season recovering from a second Tommy John surgery, Nathan Eovaldi returned strong for the Tampa Bay Rays, posting a 4.26 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 57 innings over 10 starts.

That was good enough for the Red Sox to bite at the trade deadline, and he pitched to a 3.33 ERA over 54 innings spanning 11 starts and one relief following the trade.

He took the ball in Game 3 of the ALDS and tossed a gem in his postseason debut, allowing just five hits and one earned run over seven innings.

He again gets the start in Game 3 of the ALCS, and he'll be looking to add a few more zeroes to his upcoming foray into free agency with another strong start.

The 28-year-old allowed seven hits and four earned runs in six innings against the Astros back on June 20 when he was still pitching for the Rays. He's 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in two career starts at Minute Maid Park.

Jose Altuve Keeps Things Close

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Off to a quiet 1-for-8 start through two games, look for Jose Altuve to make some noise for the Astros in Game 3.

Altuve hit .310/.388/.634 with two doubles, seven home runs and 14 RBI in 80 plate appearances last postseason, and there's a reason he's a career .316/.365/.453 hitter over eight big league seasons.

He's simply too good of a hitter to keep quiet all series.

The 28-year-old also has strong numbers in his career against Eovaldi, having gone 5-for-15 with one double and two home runs. That includes a 3-for-4 performance earlier this season that included a double and a home run.

It's a small sample size, and batter vs. pitchers splits can often be attributed more to chance than anything else, but it's still reason enough to call Altuve a player to watch for Houston in Game 3.

Look for a multi-hit performance and a long ball, as Eovaldi pitches well, but the Astros are able to keep things close thanks to their offensive spark plug.

The Red Sox Take Control of the Series

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After splitting the first two games, there's no question Game 3 will be pivotal in this series.

The pitching matchup of Dallas Keuchel and Eovaldi could help keep the offenses quiet in the early going, but don't expect a pitcher's duel.

Look for both starters to run into some trouble the second time through the batting order.

Eovaldi bends but doesn't break, while the Red Sox put a crooked number on the board in the fifth inning to seize control of the game and the series.

Jackie Bradley Jr. delivered the big blow in Game 2 with a three-run double. This time, it's Mookie Betts who gets the job done with a three-run home run that puts Boston up for good.

Final Score: Red Sox 6, Astros 2

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, unless otherwise noted.