Free MLB Picks Today: Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox 5/7/23

Hot-hitting Masataka Yoshida will be looking to extend his 15-game hitting streak as the Boston Red Sox (21-14) match up against the Philadelphia Phillies (15-19) at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday with the visitors in position for a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.

The Red Sox lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-4 on Saturday, their eighth straight victory overall. Starter Corey Kluber got the win, allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings, and Kenley Jansen picked up his eighth save with a scoreless ninth.

Alex Verdugo was 1 for 3 with a double and one run in the win. Rafael Devers went 3 for 5 with a double, one run, and two RBIs. Trea Turner went 2 for 5 with a solo home run and a double for the Phillies.

ON THE MOUND

Tanner Houck (3-1, 5.34 ERA) is slated to start for Boston. The RHP allowed six runs over six innings in his last start, a 7-6 road win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday. He gave up six hits while striking out five and walking three in the no-decision.

For Philadelphia, RHP Taijuan Walker (2-2, 6.91 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Red Sox. In his last start on Monday, Walker took the loss on the road against the Dodgers. He threw 3.1 innings and gave up eight runs on eight hits, striking out six and walking three in the 13-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Boston has averaged 7.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.9, while performing better across the board (.339/.382/.516). Against righties like Walker this season, the Sox have ann .822 OPS, second highest in the league.

Verdugo is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .983 OPS in 88 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.2 for the season.

The Phils have a .774 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .985 OPS over 71 at-bats, Brandon Marsh has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Boston is 8-7 in road games in 2023, scoring 5.5 runs per game while allowing 4.8 runs. Philadelphia has gone 8-7 at Citizens Bank Park this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 meetings at Citizens Bank Park, Boston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.1-3.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Red Sox are third in the AL East, six games behind the division-leading Rays. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, eight games behind the Braves.