Triston Casas will be looking to extend his 21-game on-base streak as the Boston Red Sox (22-17) host the St. Louis Cardinals (14-25) at Fenway Park on Saturday.
The Cardinals took Friday’s series opener 8-6. Ryan Helsley threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen to get the win. Nolan Arenado was 4 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win.
Nolan Gorman added a home run and two RBIs. Masataka Yoshida went 2 for 3 with a double and one run for the Red Sox. Connor Wong added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Steven Matz (0-4, 5.70 ERA) is in line to start for St. Louis. The left-hander allowed one run over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 12-6 road win over the Tigers on Sunday. He gave up five hits while striking out two in the no-decision.
For Boston, LHP Chris Sale (3-2, 6.37 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cardinals.
In his last start on May 5, Sale got the win on the road against the Phillies. He threw six innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out 10 and walking one in the 5-3 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, St. Louis has averaged 6.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.5, partially due to increased slugging (.514 vs .425). Against lefties like Sale this season, the Cards have a .761 OPS.
Tommy Edman is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.024 OPS in 36 at-bats. Boston is averaging only 4.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.7 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.239/.315/.411).
The Sox have a .741 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .801 OPS over 34 at-bats, Yoshida has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
St. Louis is 8-12 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Boston has gone 13-8 at home this season, averaging 6.2 runs per game while surrendering 5.4.
In the last 10 games at Fenway Park between the teams, Boston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.6-4.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, seven games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Red Sox are fourth in the AL East, seven games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Boston Red Sox (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
