Even if their rivalry hasn’t been as heated in the 2010’s as it was in the prior decade, Red Sox vs. Yankees is the most historically strong matchup in MLB history. Coming out of the All-Star break, this will be a key series for AL East supremacy in 2016.
Emerging out of the All-Star game this last Tuesday as two of the favorites to make the playoffs from the American League, Boston and New York will square off in a pivotal series in the Bronx. Sitting near the top of the division at 49-38, Boston has been on a strong pace in their last 10 games by going 7-3. The Yankees on the other hand (fourth place in the AL East) have been progressing at more modest pace, with an exact .500 record of 44-44. The Bronx Bombers have maintained a strong record at home this season, though, by notching a 23-18 mark compared with Boston's 19-18 record away from Fenway Park.
The two teams have split their two previous series. Boston swept the Yankees back in late April at a Fenway Park, but New York bounced back to take a series 2-1 when the teams squared off in the Bronx a week later.
During the first series, the Sox waxed the Yankess by a definitive margin, notching a combined score of 20-9, including an 8-0 shellacking in game two.
The next series was much closer as New York was able to blast Boston in game two by a score of 8-2 and notched a final run tally of 12 to 9.
So what can you expect when the two squads clash on Friday?
A lot of the same, but the Sox should be able to hold a slight advantage this time around in New York. Though the merits of an All-Star selection has not always been the best indicator of overall top talent, there is no doubt that Boston has the makings of a World Series contender with six All-Star selections compared to three for the Yankees.
The Red Sox had four All-Star game starters (shortstop Xander Bogaerts, outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and designated hitter David Ortiz) and two reserves. The Sox hold the talent advantage and the momentum coming out of the break will be critical in the second half of the season.
Red Sox-Yankees is always a tough matchup given the history and emotions between the teams, so it is a little harder to predict who is going to win but this should be an entertaining duel.
So far, the starting pitching matchups will favor New York first with Michael Pineda, followed by a close contest in game two between Steven Wright (10-5, Red Sox) and CC Sabathia (5-6, Yankees), which should give Boston a slight edge.
Boston ace David Price wil close out the series in game three on Saturday, which should bode well for the Sox. This is a close call, but Boston should be able to hold off New York if they are able to generate some consistent offense for their starters.
Category : News
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