The New York Yankees welcome the Boston Red Sox to Yankee Stadium for the third of a four-game set on Sunday. New York won the first two games of the heated rivalry, a 10-3 whooping on Friday followed by an 11-5 thrashing Saturday night.
The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. EST and will be featured on ESPN as part of their Sunday Night Baseball telecast. The Yankees are heavy favorites at -155 to take the series sweep. The early over is 9.5 runs.
What to Know – Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox limp into Sunday night on a six-game losing skid. Boston was swept by Tampa Bay earlier in the week before dropping the first two to the Yankees. The Red Sox are currently in last place in the AL East, 8.5 games behind the first-place Yankees.
Chris Mazza (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.13 whip) has been called up from the Red Sox alternate squad to make a spot start Sunday night. Mazza was optioned to the alternate training site in early August after making one appearance in relief.
Boston’s team pitching earned run average of 5.86 is second-worst in the league and the main reason for their struggles this season. The Red Sox have surrendered 202 hits as a pitching staff, most in the league.
Boston’s offense has been the only small bright spot for the visitors this season. Veteran slugger Mitch Moreland has hit six home runs, and Kevin Pillar leads the team in hits (20) and batting average (.313).
Alex Verdugo picked up a pair of hits, including his fifth home run of the season, and Xander Bogaerts smacked a solo shot in Saturday night’s loss. Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez also added a pair of hits apiece.
What to Know – New York Yankees
New York showcases one of the league’s best offenses, ranking in the top 10 in almost every offensive statistical category. The Yankees are riding a four-game winning streak after losing three of four in Florida to the Rays last weekend.
J.A. Happ (0-1, 10.29 ERA, 2.14 whip) is scheduled to take the mound for the Yankees. Happ has had a rough start to his 2020 campaign, surrendering eight earned runs over seven innings pitched in two starts.
Clint Frazier, who started in place of the injured Aaron Judge, homered and drove in five in Saturday night’s victory. Frazier was recalled from the team’s alternate site on Wednesday and has gone 7-for-11 with two home runs in three games. Catcher Gary Sanchez also left the park, hitting a home run in his third straight contest.
The AL batting leader, DJ LeMahieu, was pulled from Saturday’s game in the sixth inning after a swing at the plate. He tried to play through the apparent hand injury but was lifted a half-inning later.
The Pick Is In
This has the makings for another slugfest with two pitchers on the mound that lack dominance. We like the Yankees (-155) and the over (9.5 runs) in this one.
