New York Yankees (50-44) vs. Boston Red Sox (58-38)
July 23, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Boston Red Sox -101 / New York Yankees -109; Over/Under: -8.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox meet Friday in MLB action from Fenway Park. This will be the second installment in a four-game weekend series between these teams. In the Thursday opener, the Red Sox eked out a comeback win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
New York managed a couple of wins over the Phillies this week, taking Tuesday’s game 6-4 and Wednesday 6-5. In the Thursday game versus Boston, the Yankees had a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth but couldn’t hold it due to another bullpen breakdown.
For the starter job in the Friday game, the Yankees will send out ace Gerrit Cole. Across his 120.0 innings this year Cole has 89 hits with 37 runs (35 earned), 15 homers allowed, 24 walks, 158 Ks and a 2.63 ERA.
Over on the Red Sox’ side, they played a pair versus the Blue Jays this week. Boston won both of those 13-4 and 7-4. In the Thursday game, the Sox posted 10 hits with four runs in the final two frames during the dramatic comeback.
For the starter gig in the Friday game the Red Sox will send out Eduardo Rodriguez. In his 95.1 innings this year Rodriguez has 104 hits, 57 runs (55 earned), 14 homers allowed, 23 walks, 112 Ks and a 5.19 ERA.
The Yankees are 55-26 in their last 81 in game two of a series and 1-5 in their last six Friday games. The under is 7-0 in the Yankees’ last seven Friday games and the over is 5-2-1 in their last eight with a total of 9.0-10.5.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are 12-1 in their last 13 Friday games and 24-9 in their last 33 versus the AL East. Boston is 18-7 in their last 25 versus a right-handed starter and 1-4 in their last five in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on Boston. Rodriguez had a little trouble versus the Angels earlier this month (four earned; 5.0 innings; nine hits), but otherwise he’s been solid lately. In his last start, Rodriguez lasted 5.2 innings with two hits, two walks and no earned versus the Yankees. As for Cole, he’s got just one earned in his last 15.0 innings but did have a rough stretch before that. If Boston can get past Cole and start working the bullpen the Sox should have some opportunities.
