Wade Miley (2-4, 5.60 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (18-20) go up against Yovani Gallardo (3-5, 3.94 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (16-22) in the first of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 19 and will air on FSN-SW and NESN.
In his last start, Miley pitched 6.2 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out one and walking four in a 2-0 victory over the Athletics. In his career against the Red Sox, Gallardo is 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA. He meets a less-than-stellar Boston offense that’s batting just .229. Prince Fielder (.344, 15 Rs, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 Sunday with one run and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Red Sox will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In the last 10 games, Boston has only averaged 2.3 runs per game compared to the 4.0 they’ve averaged on the season. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the AL with an average of 3.7 walks per game.
Texas is a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in the MLB with 29 stolen bases.
This game will feature Gallardo (RHP) on the mound against the Red Sox, who have a 13-14 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The left-handed Miley will take the mound against the Rangers, who have a 5-8 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
The Red Sox are 2-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Rangers are 2-2 in such matchups.
The Rangers managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are heading in with a 9-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rangers are 12-3. The Red Sox have a 14-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling in the bottom half of the league based on total runs this season, Boston ranks 20th with 151 runs and Texas is 16th with 158.
Ranking 11th, Texas is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 125 this season. Boston ranks in the top five at second with 140.
The Red Sox are 13-11 when they hit at least one home run. The Rangers perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 12-9 record.
