Williams Perez (2-0, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Atlanta Braves (30-33) as they meet Rick Porcello (4-6, 5.26 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (27-37) in the first of a two-game series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox enter this series looking to snap a six-game losing streak. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 15 and will air on SPSO, NESN and ESPN.
In his last start, Porcello pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five runs and striking out five in a 5-2 loss to the Orioles. Dustin Pedroia (.309, 31 Rs, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. The Braves were unsuccessful to the Mets 5-3 the last time Perez pitched. He went 1.0 innings, allowing zero runs. Freddie Freeman (.306, 41 Rs, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Boston, a -132 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Atlanta. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at nine runs. The Red Sox are 18-24 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,564. They have performed well against the National League to earn an SU record of 4-2 and a 3-2 record when they were the favorite. The Red Sox seem to play better on offense against opponents from the NL, putting up an average of 6.3 runs per game, well over their season average of 3.8. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking second in the AL with an average of 3.2 walks per game.
On the other side, the Braves have a record of 21-26 when they are the underdog and are +289 overall with the money line. Against AL opponents, they are 3-2 SU and have played well as the underdog with a 3-1 record. The Braves average just 6.9 strikeouts per road game, good for least in the NL.
This game will feature Perez (RHP) on the mound against the Red Sox, who have a 19-26 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Porcello will take the mound against the Braves, who have a 26-28 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – ATL, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Red Sox play into extra innings, they have a 2-2 record. The Braves are 2-3 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Braves managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are heading in with a 14-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 23-12. The Red Sox have a 23-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Boston is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 247 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 270.
Ranking 13th, Atlanta is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 192 this season. Boston ranks in the top five at third with 209.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 20-20. When the Braves hit at least one homer, they have a 19-11 record.
