Yankees hope to avoid hangover vs. Red Sox
The Yankees held a three-run edge after eight innings in last night’s opener of a four-game set vs. the Red Sox. As usual, though, Boston’s bats weren’t about to go quietly.
Thanks to Hanley Ramirez’s walk-off homer, the host squad pulled out a 7-5 victory and dealt a severe blow to the Bronx Bombers’ playoff hopes. The two fierce division rivals meet again tonight, with a 7:10 p.m ET first pitch at Fenway Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv lean toward John Farrell’s gang. Conversely, New York represents a +142 underdog.
Thursday’s setback puts Joe Girardi’s crew five games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and three out of the second wild-card spot. Thus, it’s imperative for Luis Cessa to come through in a big way shortly. The righty’s coming off his first career loss, having allowed four runs on five hits to the Rays. Three of those base knocks were homers.
On the other side, Clay Buchholz is hoping to overturn a career of rocky outings vs. the Yanks. The veteran’s 5-9 with a 6.19 ERA in 18 outings against them. Most recently, though, he limited the Padres to one run in 6 2/3 innings.
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We won’t act as if last night’s gut punch didn’t sting New York a great deal. Can this largely young collection of talent bounce back? We’re uncertain of as much, giving Boston a great chance to capitalize.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: RED SOX -1.5