In the second of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (19-20) and the Texas Rangers (19-20) at Fenway Park, Joe Kelly (1-2, 5.58 ERA) and Phil Klein (0-0, 7.71 ERA) get the ball. The Red Sox won the last game 4-3 and Boston leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 20 and will air on FSN-SW, NESN and ESPN.
In his most recent outing, Kelly pitched 6.1 innings, allowing one run, striking out two and walking three in a 2-1 loss to the Mariners. Hanley Ramirez (.276, 21 Rs, 10 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one run. The Rangers were unsuccessful to the Angels 8-2 the last time Klein pitched. He went 1.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out one. Prince Fielder (.348, 15 Rs, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Boston, a -161 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Texas. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is nine runs. The Red Sox are 10-11 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -338. They have SU record of 6-4 and are unbeaten as the favorite (1-0) over their last 10 games. Boston has averaged 2.7 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.0. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the AL with an average of 3.7 walks per game.
On the other side, the Rangers have a record of 15-20 when they are the underdog and are -220 overall with the money line. The Rangers have racked up 29 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
So far this season, the Red Sox are 1-0 against the Rangers. The Red Sox will take on a right-hander (Klein) in this game and have a 14-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Rangers will be the right-hander Kelly. They sport an 11-14 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Over
Notes
Texas has won 35% (7-13) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Boston has won 44% (7-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Red Sox are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rangers have a 1-6 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Rangers are 3-18. The Red Sox have a 4-19 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 11th in home runs, Texas has hit 38 this season. Boston ranks 10th with 40 home runs.
Boston and Texas both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Boston sits at 13th with 7.87 hits per game and Texas ranks 11th with 8.05.
Boston and Texas both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Boston sits at 24th with an OPS of .682 and Texas ranks 22nd with an OPS of .695.
The Rangers are 6-19 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Red Sox are 8-19 when they allow at least one homer.
