Series splits against the Royals and Indians, combined with a strong push from the Yankees has left the Red Sox back in a tie against the Yankees for the A.L. East lead. Now, with things knotted up, the Sox will host their arch-rivals for a three-game series that will put one side back in control.
Both teams have lined up their best starters--which, honestly, isn't saying much given the presence of John Lackey and Freddy Garcia, who were each picked apart the last time they faced the other's team. The Yankees are not, however, at full strength, with Alex Rodriguez still rehabbing after undergoing surgery on his knee in July.
So far the season series has been all Red Sox. Other than Clay Buchholz' mediocre start way back on April 9, the Sox have dominated the matchup. They took the first series in Fenway 2-1, and since then have twice swept the Yankees in their own house. All-together, the Sox have scored 60 runs on the Yankees in nine games, giving up only 37 in the process. Usually you wouldn't imagine that the Yankees are the guys who could put the Sox back on track after some lackluster play, but given how things have gone so far, that just might be the case.
Boston Red Sox (68-42) vs. New York Yankees (68-42)
Friday, August 5, 7:20 p.m.
NESN/MLBN
Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) vs. Bartolo Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA)
Saturday, August 6, 4:10 p.m.
FOX
John Lackey (9-8, 6.23 ERA) vs. C.C. Sabathia (16-5, 2.55 ERA)
Sunday, August 7, 8:05 p.m.
ESPN
Josh Beckett (9-4, 2.20 ERA) vs. Freddy Garcia (10-7, 3.22 ERA)