In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Michael Pineda (6-10, 5.17 ERA) and the New York Yankees (57-56) are in Boston to take on Eduardo Rodriguez (2-5, 5.93 ERA) and the Red Sox (61-51). This is the last of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The Yankees won the last game 9-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 11 and can be seen on NESN and YES.
Rodriguez pitched 4.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking one in a 3-0 defeat to the Dodgers. Mookie Betts (.312, 87 Rs, 23 HRs, 75 RBIs, 18 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. Pineda went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out six and walking one in a 13-7 win over the Indians in his most recent start. Didi Gregorius (.286, 48 Rs, 14 HRs, 50 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Boston, a big -180 favorite, takes on New York. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at nine runs for this matchup. The Red Sox have an overall money line of -446 and a record as the favorite of 44-35. Within its division, Boston has a 14-12 record as favorite and a 22-20 record SU. The Red Sox have no trouble scoring as they lead the AL in offense with 5.4 runs per game. The Red Sox lead the MLB in extra base hits with 413. Boston’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 3.3 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.6.
As for their opponent, New York is coming in with an overall money line of -534 and a disappointing record of 18-32 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record and a 4-6 record SU. Offensively, the Yankees have really sputtered in division games. They have decreased their season average of 4.1 runs per game by averaging 3.1 in those contests. The Yankees average 4.4 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the AL East is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 4.0 against division foes.
The Red Sox lead the season series, 7-4. The Red Sox have a 48-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Pineda takes the mound. Rodriguez (LHP) will be on the hill against the Yankees, who have a 15-19 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Boston is 30-24, while New York is 32-28.
The Yankees managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are heading in with an 11-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Red Sox are 54-14. The Yankees have a 43-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Boston ranks at the top of the league when it comes to runs with 607 this season. New York ranks near the bottom at 22nd with 466.
Ranking 19th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 326 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 384.
The Red Sox are 49-35 when they hit at least one home run. The Yankees perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 41-29 record.
