Matt Barnes (3-2, 5.64 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (52-65) go up against Danny Salazar (10-6, 3.26 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (54-62) in the first of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 17 and will air on STOh and NESN.
In his most recent outing, Barnes pitched 0.0 inning, giving up one run and walking one in a 5-1 loss to the Yankees. David Ortiz (.263, 53 Rs, 25 HRs, 73 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Indians were victorious the last time Salazar pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.1 innings, allowing one run, striking out eight and walking five in a 2-1 victory over the Yankees.
Boston is a +110 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is nine runs. When playing as the underdog, the Red Sox have a 21-27 record and overall money line at -1,871. Over their past 10 games, Boston’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 7.3 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.5.
On the other side, the Indians have a record of 38-39 when they are favored and are -2,055 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 5-5 SU and have played well as the favorite with a 5-2 record. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.8 runs per game, above their 4.0 season average. Cleveland has an eye for the strike zone, averaging an AL-best 3.4 walks per game. Switching gears to Cleveland’s pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.20 on the year, good for fourth in the league.
The Red Sox will take on a right-hander (Salazar) in this game and have a 39-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Indians will be the right-hander Barnes. They sport a 40-37 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Boston is 27-31, while Cleveland is 16-20.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Indians are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Red Sox have a 17-2 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 45-8. The Red Sox have a 42-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th in runs, Cleveland has earned 463 this season. Boston ranks third with 527 runs.
Ranking 10th, Boston is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 354 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top five at third with 397.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 39-37. When the Indians hit at least one homer, they have a 40-23 record.
