Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews the opening contest of a three-game American League East series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park
New York earned a four-game series split against the Baltimore Orioles by winning the last two games. The Yankees are currently 1 1/2 games back in the AL East standings behind tonight’s opponent. “We need to play well,” Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter commented. “They have a great team. Everyone knows that.” New York has dropped 10 of the first 12 meetings this year and has lost all four games of the series with its ace on the mound. Playing away from Yankee Stadium hasn’t been that bad for the club, posting the third-best road record in the Majors.
Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia is 17-7 with a 2.99 ERA in 28 starts this season and will be looking to snap an 0-4 mark and 7.20 ERA in four outings versus the Red Sox in 2011. The left-hander compiled a 4-1 record and 3.04 ERA in his first two years in Pinstripes against the team’s biggest rival. Sabathia is a solid 10-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 14 road starts, surrendering just six home runs in 102 1/3 innings. He is 2-4 with a 4.47 ERA in nine career starts at Fenway Park.
Boston has had two days off since sweeping a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. “Well I mean, we’ll use it to our advantage. That’s what we always try to do,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona about the break. “This has been a long haul here.” The club’s designated hitter probably didn’t want any time off, as David Ortiz has hit .522 on a season-high 12-game hit streak. He also is fifth in the AL in terms of home batting average, a category that is led by teammate Adrian Gonzalez. Boston is 39-16 when playing against a team with a winning record.
Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey is 12-9 with a 5.98 ERA in 22 starts this season and has won a career-best three straight starts against the New York Yankees. The right-hander is actually 3-0 with a 4.01 ERA in four starts in four starts against them at tonight’s venue. Lackey has led the club to wins in seven of his last nine outings, including an 11-5 road win over the Rangers, giving up four runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 frames.
Bettors will likely back the Red Sox due to their 16-5 record at home versus left-handed starters, while the Yankees are 2-6 in the last eight meetings in Boston.
MLB Betting Preview: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
Posted by Jeff Grant on Aug 30, 2011 09:48:41 am
