In the first of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (12-10) and the New York Yankees (12-10) at Fenway Park, Justin Masterson (2-0, 5.16 ERA) and Michael Pineda (3-0, 3.73 ERA) get the start. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 1 and will air on YES and NESN.
Masterson is 4-5 with a 3.94 ERA, 45 strikeouts and 22 walks against the Yankees in his career. Hanley Ramirez (.293, 16 Rs, 10 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. In his pitching opportunities against the Red Sox, Pineda is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA, 21 strikeouts and three walks. Chris Young (.305, 10 Rs, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Yankees, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Red Sox have an SU record of 8-8 against teams in their division. An area where the Red Sox are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.7 K’s per game.
Against divisional opponents, the Yankees are 8-7 SU. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging 5.0 runs per game. The Yankees are known for their bats, hitting 75 extra base hits. The Yankees average 3.8 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the New York pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.8 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 3.8.
In their previous three games this season, the Red Sox have a 2-1 record. The right-handed Masterson will take the mound against the Yankees, who have a 9-6 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY
Notes
The Yankees lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Red Sox are 5-2. The Yankees are 4-4 in close games this season.
The Red Sox are 1-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees are 0-2 in such matchups.
The Yankees managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are heading in with a 7-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Red Sox and the Yankees are both undefeated. Boston has an 11-0 record in these situations while New York is 7-0.
Boston and New York both rank in the top five of the league in runs. Boston sits at second with 113 runs this season and New York ranks fifth with 109.
Boston ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 91 this season. New York ranks in the top five at second with 84.
The Red Sox are 8-7 when they hit at least one home run. The Yankees perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 9-8 record.
