Red Sox, 57-24 at Fenway, hope home-field makes the difference

BOSTON -- The Red Sox hope home-field advantage makes a difference after consecutive Division Series eliminations.

Boston began the postseason 0-2 on the road at Cleveland in 2016 and again at Houston last year.

By winning a club-record 108 games this season, the Red Sox ensured home-field advantage through the postseason. They split at home against the Yankees last weekend, swept a pair of games in New York to advance and open the AL Championship Series against the World Series champion Astros on Saturday night.

Chris Sale starts for the Red Sox and Justin Verlander for the Astros.

Sale gave up seven runs in last year's opening 8-2 loss to Houston, including two home runs by Jose Altuve and by…