Red Sox vs. Yankees series preview: The rivalry continues

The Boston Red Sox (31-25) head to the Bronx to take on the 1st place New York Yankees (32-22) in a three-game series.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees share one of the most documented rivalries of all time. There have been many iterations of the rivalry throughout the years. From Ruth and Gehrig, to Billy Martin in the 70’s and 80’s, to the Derek Jeter Yankees, they have always been a thorn in Boston’s side.

Now both teams are young, talented, and are looking to compete head-to-head for the division crown for many years to come.

The Yankees have exceeded most expert’s expectations so far this year. They currently have a two game lead over the Red Sox in the AL East. They have been playing mediocre of late, going 6-4 in their last 10. The Red Sox on the other hand have been playing good baseball of late, having gone 10-4 in their last 14 games.

Pitching Matchups

Tuesday, June 6th at 7:05 PM – Drew Pomeranz (5-3, 4.24 ERA) vs Masahiro Tanaka (5-5, 6.34 ERA)

Wednesday June 7th at 7:05 PM – Rick Porcello (3-7, 4.24 ERA) vs C.C. Sabathia (6-2, 4.12 ERA)

Thursday June 8th at 7:00 PM – David Price (1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Michael Pineda (6-3, 3.76 ERA)

Series Notes

Mookie Betts has really struggled of late. In the past month has has slashed .248/.336/.495 and has struck out 14 times (which is a lot for Mookie). The bright side is that he has hit for more power, with 6 of his 9 home runs coming in the last month. He has also continued to play great defense. Mookie ranks 1st among qualified right fielders in defensive WAR. The bottom line is that Mookie needs to get back on track and get on base so that the middle of the order can drive him in.

The Red Sox luck out by facing two of the Yankees worst starters this year.

Masahiro Tanaka

has been a shell of himself this year with an ERA of 6.34. They also face the corpse of

C.C. Sabathia

. Even though he has an ERA of 4.12, he is always vulnerable to have a start in which he blows up and allows several runs. The Sox end up avoiding

Luis Severino

who has sported a 2.90 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a K/9 of 10.01. The Red Sox need to capitalize on this opportunity offensively.

More from Red Sox News

The series may end up being a battle of top relievers, with each team having an elite closer. Craig Kimbrel currently has 16 saves, an ERA of 1.07, a WHIP of 0.47, and a K/9 of 17.05. He has looked unhittable for most of the season and continues to baffle hitters. On the other side, the Yankees have Dellin Betances. Betances has been just as dominant as Kimbrel this season, but has had to pitch as the setup man and the closer. He has 5 saves, 6 holds, an ERA of 0.49, WHIP of 0.98, and a K/9 of 16.20. Once one of these guys steps on the mound, you know the game is over.

David Price made his second start of the season against the Orioles last series. He was pretty much flawless, going 7 innings and the only run he gave up was a solo shot to Manny Machado in the 7th. Price also struck out 7 batters. I doubt Price will pitch like this every time out, but it is encouraging to see Price perform like this. The Red Sox staff has been banged up all season so it is important for him to come back and give them quality innings.

Key Hitters

Boston Red Sox: Jackie Bradley Jr.

2017 Season (39 Games): .233/.331/.436, 7 HR, 24 RBI

Career vs New York Yankees (54 Games): .247/.364/.386, 3 HR, 16 RBI