ALCS GameThread: Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros Game 5

Boston’s 8-6 win last night in Minute Maid Park gave the Red Sox a 3-1 advantage in their ALCS matchup with the Houston Astros, setting them up with a chance to earn a World Series appearance tonight in Game 5.

A.J. Hinch’s Astros, who’ve now lost three in a row, are in danger of being eliminated from their defense of the World Series crown.

Does Hinch think his team has what it takes to win the three straight they have to if they have any chance of repeating?

Of course he’s going to say, “Yes,” but what makes him think it’s possible?

“I firmly believe in our team,” Hinch said last night. “This series isn’t over. Again what do you expect me to say, right? I’m going to back my boys. We’re a really good team and this has been a really tough series. Obviously we haven’t won the last couple of nights. But I like our team’s chances tomorrow. [Justin Verlander] on the mound. The lineup, the at-bats that we put up tonight. We’ll post just fine.”

Red Sox’ skipper Alex Cora said he’s not taking anything for granted in spite of the position they’re in right now.

“We know we’re up 3-1,” Cora told reporters after winning Game 4.

“But they’re a good team. They came back last year against the Yankees. They lost Game 6 of the World Series in Dodger Stadium and they won Game 7.

“It’s not over. We know that. But to have a chance to finish tomorrow, that’s always good.

“We’re just going to show up tomorrow, get the information, play hard, and see what happens.”

David Price starts for the Sox tonight in Minute Maid Park when things get underway at 8:09 PM EDT. Enjoy Game 5. Chat with your fellow Nationals fans below...