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.
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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
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