The New York Yankees (39-31) are on the road to face the Boston Red Sox (35-35) at Fenway Park on Saturday. The Red Sox took Friday’s series opener 15-5, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season. Joe Jacques got the win with two innings of relief.
Justin Turner went 3 for 5 with two home runs and a double in the win. He scored three runs and drove in six. Masataka Yoshida went 4 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and three RBIs. Josh Donaldson was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Yankees.
ON THE MOUND
Clarke Schmidt (2-6, 4.70 ERA) is in line for the start for New York. The righty faces the Red Sox in back-to-back starts. He allowed one run over 5.1 innings on Sunday, a 3-2 road defeat. He gave up four hits while striking out four in the no-decision.
For Boston, right-hander Brayan Bello (3-4, 3.78 ERA) gets the ball. His only prior start against the Yankees this season was his last outing, when Bello gave up two runs over seven innings in a 3-2 road win on Sunday. He gave up three hits and walked two while striking out three in the no-decision.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Bello this season, the Yanks have a .714 OPS.
Aaron Judge is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a 1.186 OPS in 144 at-bats. Boston is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.0 for the season, with an improved slash line (.294/.352/.492). The Sox have a .753 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .875 OPS over 177 at-bats, Alex Verdugo has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 18-14 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Boston has gone 19-18 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 5.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.3.
In the last 10 games at Fenway Park between the bitter rivals, each club has won five, though Boston has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.9-5.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Yankees are third in the AL East, 10 games behind the division-leading Rays. The Red Sox are fifth in the AL East, 14 games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Boston Red Sox (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
