Rick Porcello (17-3, 3.23 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (72-58) meet Matt Andriese (6-5, 3.71 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (55-74) in the first of a three-game division series at Fenway Park. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 and will air on NESN and SUN.
In his last start, Porcello pitched 7.2 innings, giving up three runs and striking out eight in a 4-3 loss to the Rays. Mookie Betts (.321, 99 Rs, 29 HRs, 94 RBIs, 21 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Rays were victorious the last time Andriese pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 4-3 victory over the Red Sox. Evan Longoria (.289, 68 Rs, 30 HRs, 80 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rays, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Red Sox have a SU record of 26-24 against teams in their division. The Red Sox have the most prolific home offense in the entire AL, averaging 6.0 runs per game. The Red Sox lead the AL in hits with 9.9 per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Red Sox don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fourth in the AL with only 8.4 hits allowed per game. An area where the Red Sox are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.3 K’s per game.
Against fellow AL East members, the Rays are 22-28 SU.
The Red Sox have gotten the best of the Rays in head-to-head matchups this season, going 7-6. This game will feature Andriese (RHP) on the mound against the Red Sox, who have a 55-43 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Porcello will take the mound against the Rays, who have a 40-55 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
Tampa Bay has won 40% (23-35) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Boston has won 57% (35-26) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming into this meeting after a high-scoring game where they scored an impressive 10 runs. The Red Sox have a 0-10 record when opponents score that many runs or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 37-12. The Red Sox have a 63-16 record when outhitting opponents.
Boston ranks at the top of the league when it comes to runs with 702 this season. Tampa Bay ranks near the bottom at 22nd with 541.
Ranking 19th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 375 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 437.
When the Red Sox hit at least one home run, they are 59-39. When the Rays hit at least one homer, they have a 47-46 record.
