Houston Astros Beat Boston Red Sox, 7-2 in Game 1 of American League Championship

The Houston Astros have opened the American League Championship series by stealing home-field advantage from the Boston Red Sox.

Carlos Correa snapped a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the sixth before the Astros homered twice in a four-run ninth to beat the Red Sox, 7-2. Correa's go-ahead hit came a half-inning after Boston tied the game on a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch, both by winning pitcher Justin Verlander.

Josh Reddick doubled Houston's lead with a solo homer leading off the ninth. Yuli Gurriel put it out of reach with a three-run blast.

Verlander's only trouble came in the fifth as he walked three straight following a single. He and the Houston bullpen surrendered just two other hits.

Chris Sale also was a victim of his own wildness as he allowed two runs on just one hit but four walks during his four innings.

Joe Kelly took the loss, giving up an unearned run on Correa's hit following an error by Eduardo Nunez.

The series stays in Boston for Game 2 on Sunday. Gerrit Cole starts for the Astros against David Price.