The Boston Red Sox are on the verge of advancing to their first World Series since 2013.However Richie Ashburn Jersey , securing the first spot in the 2018 Fall Classic won't be easy, as Boston sends David Price to the mound in Game 5 of the ALCS to oppose Houston's Justin Verlander.Thursday's Game 5 at Minute Maid Park comes a day after an epic Game 4, which ended on a remarkable diving catch in left field by Andrew Benintendi.On paper, Houston has the edge entering Game 5 because of Verlander's postseason success and Price's playoff struggles. But while both will have an impact on the game, it will be the hitters who once again make the biggest difference in the ALCS.ALCS Game 5 InformationStart Time:8:09 p.m. ETTV:TBSLive Stream:Watch TBSTicket Info: StubHub.Game 5 PickHoustonVerlander and the clutch hitters in the Houston lineup will be the reason the ALCS shifts back to Fenway Park for Game 6 on Saturday.The experienced ace of the Houston pitching staff found a way to silence the Boston bats in Game 1, as he gave up two earned runs in six innings.Even though the Red Sox scored at least seven runs in Games 2, 3 and 4, Verlander will put a stop to their success at the plate to give his team a chance to come from behind and win the series in Boston.In his career Chuck Klein Jersey , Verlander's made six starts in Game 5 or later in the postseason. In those outings, he's given up seven earned runs and held opposing lineups scoreless in three of those appearances.Omar Rawlings/Getty ImagesIn Game 6 of the 2017 ALCS, the 35-year-old was dominant, holding the New York Yankees to five hits over seven scoreless innings.Conversely, Price started three games in Game 5 or later in a postseason series, and he's given up three earned runs in each of his past two appearances late in a series.Overall, the left-hander has struggled to match his regular-season success in the playoffs, and his 4.2-inning outing in Game 2 http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-jimmy-foxx-jersey , during which he gave up four earned runs on five hits, was deemed a success compared to his previous horrendous starts.At the plate, George Springer and Carlos Correa will be the difference-makers for the Astros鈥攋ust like they were in Game 4.Springer, who added three hits in Game 4 to his growing total of 39 postseason base knocks, wasn't affected by the move down to the No. 2 spot in the order behind Alex Bregman.Correa shifted down the No. 7 hole and produced three hits of his own, including a two-out RBI single in the fifth inning.Lynne Sladky/Associated PressThe Houston shortstop excels with runners in scoring position and two outs, as he has an average of .261 with 12 home runs and 81 RBI in that situation in his career.Price's inconsistency on the mound will allow the Houston hitters to reach base early in Game 5 to set up scoring opportunities for Springer and Correa, as well as Bregman at the top of the order.After Verlander tosses six or seven solid innings Darren Daulton Jersey , he will hand the ball over to Ryan Pressly, Lance McCullers and Roberto Osuna. They will send the series back to Boston by continuing Verlander's dominance against the Boston bats.Follow Joe on Twitter, JTansey90. A look at what’s happening around the majors Wednesday:HILL COUNTRYThe Athletics wrap up their series at Minute Maid Park, trailing the AL West-leading Astros by 1 1/2 games going into the finale. Trevor Cahill (5-3, 3.44 ERA) starts for Oakland, looking to rebound after allowing five runs in five innings against Minnesota in his last outing. Dallas Keuchel (10-10, 3.54) pitches for Houston.TAKE TWOThe Cubs will try to win their seventh in a row — and eighth, too — when they take on the Mets at Wrigley Field.The teams were tied at 1 when their game Tuesday night was suspended in the top of the 10th inning because of rain. Michael Conforto had a 2-0 count leading off the inning when it was stopped. After they resume and finish http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-maikel-franco-jersey , Cubs rookie Alec Mills will go for his first big league win when he faces Jason Vargas.LEFT(IES) FROM ATLANTAAlex Wood and Mike Minors both made their big league debuts with the Braves, and were teammates together in Atlanta for two seasons. The lefties are now scheduled to face each other in Texas.Minor (10-6) is 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his last five starts for the Rangers. Wood (7-6), who has been bothered with hamstring and adductor issues this season, got some extra time since his previous start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 20.Minor made his MLB debut with Atlanta in 2010, and Wood in 2013. They were then teammates through 2014 before Minor missed the entire 2015 season because of injury and Wood was traded midway through that season to Los Angeles.HEALINGYankees shortstop Didi Gregorius could begin running in his recovery from a bruised left heel. He took grounders hit right at him before Tuesday night’s game. It remains to be seen whether he’ll need a minor league rehab assignment before coming off the disabled list.