What happened to the Red Sox’ closer?
The Red Sox have defied the odds for most of the season. They’ve had several injury concerns and now they are missing their closer, who has actually given the Red Sox stability in their bullpen.
Should you back the Red Sox or Blue Jays in Monday’s series?
The pitching mismatch here, on top of the Red Sox missing their top bullpen arm, is a recipe for disaster. The Blue Jays lineup is every bit as good as the Red Sox lineup as well. Backing the Blue Jays is the correct play for Monday’s series opener.
How does the Red Sox’ offense compare to the Athletics’ offense?
Boston’s offense greatly outpaces Oakland’s offense statistically. The Red Sox are No. 2 in the American League with 300 runs scored, while the Athletics have the second-fewest runs in the league. Boston also leads the league in hits and doubles, with the Athletics landing last in the AL in hits, batting average and on-base percentage.
Are the Red Sox underdogs for every game?
The Red Sox have defied the odds for most of the season. They’ve had several injury concerns and now they are missing their closer, who has actually given the Red Sox stability in their bullpen. Boston will likely be underdogs for each game of this series.
Red Sox On a Three-Game Winning Streak
Boston has won three in a row and find themselves only one game back of the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. The Red Sox have a run differential of +51.
Yankees Look to Avoid Home Sweep Against Rivals
No one once to get swept at home, but New York being swept by Boston on Sunday Night Baseball would have Yankees fans steaming. New York has fallen five games back in the division and would really like to remain within striking distance of the Red Sox and Rays.
Expert Pick
Cole Paganelli Cole is really big into Major League Baseball, but really – the big four Pro US sports are his passion. Cole grew up a Yankees fan but married a Red Sox fan. It’s tough around the house during those big games, but his hatred for the Red Sox has dissipated a little.
Score Prediction – Red Sox 5, Yankees 3
Boston has taken each of the first two games against New York this weekend. The Yankees’ offense is back to their slumping ways by scoring three runs or less for the seventh time in nine games.
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – Current Form
The Red Sox remain one game behind the Rays for first place in the American League East at 35-23, while entering Sunday’s action tied with the White Sox for the second-best record in the American League.
Pitching Matchup
Richards had won three consecutive starts in May before losing consecutive outings to Atlanta and Houston. The right-hander didn’t pitch poorly in those starts by giving up five earned runs in 11.2 innings of work, but Boston’s offense also scored a grand total of two runs in those contests.
