Ivan Nova (6-9, 4.87 ERA) and the New York Yankees (86-69) go up against Eduardo Rodriguez (9-6, 3.97 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (75-80) in the first of a four-game division series at Yankee Stadium. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 28 and will air on YES and NESN.
In his last start, Nova pitched 5.2 innings, allowing one run, striking out six and walking two in a 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays. Alex Rodriguez (.251, 81 Rs, 32 HRs, 84 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 1 yesterday. The Red Sox were unsuccessful to the Rays 8-7 the last time Rodriguez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out four and walking two.
New York, a -160 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Boston. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Yankees perform well as a favorite with a 54-35 record and have an overall money line of +281. They have an SU record of 37-32 against teams in their division and a 22-15 record when they were the favorite in those games. The Yankees have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire AL, averaging 4.8 runs per game. The Yankees are a dangerous hitting team with 483 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking fourth in the AL with an average of 3.3 walks per game. New York’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 2.8 during that span, compared to its 4.2 season average.
Switching gears, the Red Sox come into this game with a win percentage of .486 when playing as the underdog (36-38) and an overall money line of -768. They have played at the top of their game when rated as the underdog as of late. They managed a 6-1 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 6-4. Boston has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 3.0 in the AL with fifth walks per game.
The Yankees have mostly come out on top against the Red Sox in their previous 15 games this season, earning a 10-5 record. This game will feature Rodriguez (RHP) on the mound against the Yankees, who have a 59-49 record when they take on a right-handed starter.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Baltimore, the Red Sox now have 10 shutouts this season. The Yankees have been shut out in six games this season.
The Yankees are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Red Sox have a 12-25 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 15-66. The Yankees have a 20-54 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 15th in home runs, Boston has hit 151 this season. New York ranks third with 207 home runs.
Ranking eighth, New York is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.61 per game. Boston ranks in the top five at second with 9.31.
Ranking seventh, Boston is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.744). New York ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .748.
The Red Sox are 37-64 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Yankees are 43-54 when they allow at least one homer.
