Joe Kelly (4-6, 5.96 ERA) and Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.25 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (50-64) and the Seattle Mariners (54-61) at Fenway Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 14 and can be seen on RTNW and NESN.
Kelly pitched 5.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 7-2 win over the Tigers. David Ortiz (.255, 50 Rs, 25 HRs, 68 RBIs) had another good game Wednesday, going 3 for 3 with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs. Montgomery went 4.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking four in an 11-3 defeat to the Rangers in his most recent start. Nelson Cruz (.324, 63 Rs, 34 HRs, 70 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Boston and Seattle are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Boston is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.0 per game.
Offensively, the Mariners have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.7 runs per game by averaging 4.9 during that stretch.
The Red Sox have a 12-19 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Montgomery takes the mound. Kelly (RHP) will be on the hill against the Mariners, who have a 41-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Sea
Notes
Seattle has won 44% (17-22) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Boston has won 45% (25-30) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in six hits, the Mariners need to step it up. The Red Sox have a record of 24-8 when opponents get six hits or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 10-53. The Mariners have a 15-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 14th in home runs, Boston has hit 103 this season. Seattle ranks sixth with 131 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Seattle is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.23 per game. Boston ranks in the top five at third with 8.86.
Ranking 20th, Seattle is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.701). Boston ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .715.
When the Mariners allow at least one home run, they are 25-51, well-matched with the Red Sox who are 23-53 when allowing at least one homer.
