The Boston Red Sox try to widen their lead atop the American League East standings this evening when they start a key three-game series against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
Red Sox Vs. Yankees: Boston Looks To Extend Division Lead Against Bitter Rival
The Boston Red Sox try to widen their lead atop the American League East standings this evening when they start a key three-game series against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
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Boston enters this set with a 1 1/2-game lead on New York in the standings. The Red Sox are in that position primarily because of how well they have fared against the Yankees, as they are 10-2 against their hated rivals this season.
If they are to move even further in front, though, the Red Sox will have to get past CC Sabathia, a task that hasn't been all that hard for them lately. Sabathia has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, but that hasn't been the case when facing the Red Sox, as he is 0-4 in four starts against them with a 7.20 ERA.
Against the rest of the league he is 17-3 with a 2.40 ERA.
Getting the call for the Red Sox this evening will be right-hander John Lackey, who has won seven of his last eight decisions. Lackey hasn't pitched since last Tuesday when he beat the Texas Rangers, holding them to four runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Lackey beat the Yankees the last time he faced them and is 8-8 lifetime against them with a 4.67 ERA in 21 starts.
The Yankees gained a half-game on idle Boston on Monday, as Freddy Garcia returned from the disabled list and pitched six strong innings, and Nick Swisher clubbed a two-run homer, helping New York get past Baltimore, 3-2 in the finale of a four-game series.
For more on the Boston Red Sox, visit Over The Monster and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Yankees, check in with Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation NY.
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