It’s a pivotal fourth game of this series, with the Yankees holding a 2-1 advantage heading into the finale. The Red Sox have improved after struggling in the early part of the season, but they’ve gained little ground on a Yankees team that continues to roll.
Taillon Goes For 10th Win
Yankees RHP Jameson Taillon will try to grab his tenth win of the season and a series win for New York. He’s personally hit a rough patch with a 6.16 ERA in his last six starts, but thankfully the Yankees have given him plenty of run support, and the team is 5-1 in those games. He’s one of those guys who likes to get ahead in the count with his fastball, then does well keeping his breaking pitches down to induce ground balls.
The Yankees remain the best team on both sides of the ball. The offense comes in with the best power in the league as they lead all of the MLB in OPS (.770) and home runs per game (4.5), while the pitching staff is second with a 2.97 ERA. The lineup has feasted on the Red Sox pitching staff with 23 runs in the three games.
Aaron Judge is getting all attention as he’s having an MVP-type season and on pace to over 60 home runs, but it’s been the supporting cast that keeps this team going. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has come in, played shortstop very well, and is hitting .268. Even Matt Carpenter has had a resurgence hitting .328 with nine home runs in 73 plate appearances.
Can Nick Pivetta Bounce Back?
Nick Pivetta is coming off his worst start of the year, allowing seven earned in 5.2 innings against the Rays. Perhaps that was a blip on the radar? After all, Pivetta has been reliable while allowing two or fewer runs in six of his seven previous starts, and Boston went 6-1 in those games.
The Red Sox offense has turned it around in the last couple of months. Rafael Devers has been consistent all season and deserves the starting spot in the All-Star Game. From the start of the season till May 1, Boston was 20th in batting average (.229), 25th in OPS (.622), and 26th in OBP (.279) and started season 9-13. Since then, they’re leading the league average (.272), OBP (.341), and second in wOBA.
One of the more notable players to start the season was Trevor Story. The shortstop signed a big 6-year $140 million contract in the offseason and started the season hitting .196 with one home run and a .286 SLG through May 15. Since then, the power numbers have come back with 14 home runs, .511 SLG, and .812 OPS
Yankees vs. Red Sox Odds & Action
The Yankees opened at -132 on Saturday night, and the line has only mildly increased to -138 in some spots.
Bettors believe the Yankees will win this series as 62% of the tickets and 77% of the moneyline cash is on New York.
Yankees vs. Red Sox Prediction
One thing to expect when the Yankees and Red Sox play at the end of the weekend is a four-hour game and a lot of runs. Tonight should be no different. The Yankees’ offense has been on display throughout the weekend, and that should continue tonight. The Red Sox could easily have a good night against the struggling likes of Taillon.
The Pick: Yankees-Red Sox Over 9 | -115 at PointsBet
