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Red Sox vs Mariners series preview: Red Sox are heating up

By Chris Embree

Jun 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park prior to batting practice before a game between the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park prior to batting practice before a game between the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox (25-21) finish their 6 game home stand with a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners (21-27). The Red Sox have matched their season high winning streak, rattling off 4 in a row.

The winning streak has put them back in the hunt for the division lead. They remain 3 games out of 1st place, but only a half game out of 2nd. The Red Sox were able to get timely hitting to go along with solid pitching from their starters and the bullpen against the Rangers.

The Mariners come into the series on a cold streak, losing 10 out of their last 14 games. Their pitching staff has not been the same since losing Felix Hernandez to the DL. In the 27 games without Felix, they have gone 13-14.

Pitching Matchups

Friday, May 26 at 7:10 PM – Eduardo Rodriguez (3-1, 3.10 ERA) vs Yovani Gallardo (2-4, 5.84 ERA)

Saturday, May 27 at 4:05 PM – Brian Johnson (1-0, 7.20 ERA) vs Casey Lawerence (0-3, 8.10 ERA)

Sunday, May 28 at 1:35 PM – Rick Porcello (3-5, 4.35 ERA) vs Christian Bergman (1-2, 6.30 ERA)

Series Notes

Eduardo Rodriguez looks to continue his great season on the mound. His issue has always been consistency. This year he has been able to string along several good outings and remain healthy while doing so. He has improved his command which has led to a 1.09 WHIP and has also helped his strikeout numbers (10.03 K/9). The top part of the Mariners batting order is tough, so Rodriguez will have his hands full.

More from Red Sox News

  • Brian Johnson makes his return to the major league club on Saturday. Johnson had a rough go of it last time he got called up, only going 5 innings and allowing 4 earned runs. The Red Sox have been on a continuous search for a 5th starter and hope that Johnson can be their guy. Guys like Hector Velasquez and Kyle Kendrick have not been able to fill the void since losing Steven Wright.
  • Dustin Pedroia was pulled during Thursday night’s game with left knee soreness. He was taken out for precautionary reasons and is listed as day-to-day. While it may not seem like a concern immediately, this is the same knee that he had surgery on this offseason and also the same knee that Manny Machado slid into earlier in the season.
  • Xander Bogaerts finally hit his first home run of the season Thursday night. His power outage this year has been well-documented. It is good to finally see him put one over the fence. Even though he has only hit one home run, Bogaerts is still producing at an All-Star caliber level. He has slashed .335/.398/.470 and has 11 doubles and 4 triples.

    • Key Hitters

    Boston Red Sox: Hanley Ramirez

    2017 Season (38 Games): .255/.346/.416, 6 HR, 20 RBI

    Career vs Seattle Mariners (15 Games): .350/.391/.483, 1 HR, 4 RBI

    Hanley has not been able to get any sort of streak going this year. He has made the switch to full-time designated hitter. Hanley has never been one to enjoy playing the field and has finally gotten his chance to be a full-time DH. He has not lived up to expectations, as all of his numbers are down. His career slash line as a DH is .298/.368/.535 to go along with 16 HR and 57 RBI in just 71 games. Hanley needs to show that he belongs as the full-time DH and get his numbers up to where his career numbers are.

    Seattle Mariners: Robinson Cano

    2017 Season (37 Games): .306/.366/.531, 8 HR, 30 RBI

    Career vs Red Sox (176 Games): .305/.349/.498, 24 HR, 114 RBI

    Robinson Cano has been a model of consistency throughout his career. The lineup usually depends on his production. If he is hitting well, then the rest of the team is usually doing well. The Mariners need Cano to keep doing his thing in the middle of the order if they want to get out of the current funk they are in. Cano also has a history of killing the Red Sox. He has played more than a full season against them and is sporting the numbers you see above. Plus, his career slash line at Fenway is .342/.383/.563. Look for him to do some damage this series.

    Next: Red Sox pitchers combine for MLB record-tying 20 strikeouts

    Check back with BoSox Injection prior to the start of every Red Sox series this season for our preview!

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