The stage is set for a thrilling finale as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox gear up to conclude their intense three-game series on Sunday Night Baseball. With one win each from the previous two showdowns, both teams are brimming with determination to claim the series victory.
Recent Performances
Boston has been on an impressive run lately, securing victory in five of its last six games. This resurgence has bolstered the team's confidence as they look to topple their long-time rivals. In contrast, the Yankees showcased a powerful offensive display in their recent 14-4 rout over the Red Sox on Saturday, emphasizing their offensive prowess.
Pitching Matchup
On the mound, the Red Sox will rely on Kutter Crawford. Crawford enters the game with a 4-7 record and a 3.47 ERA. Despite his less-than-stellar win-loss record, Crawford’s ERA suggests he can deliver a solid performance when needed. The Red Sox will be banking on him to silence the Yankees' formidable batting lineup.
Opposing Crawford is the Yankees' Luis Gil, who has been dependable all season with a 9-4 record and a 3.41 ERA. Gil's consistency will be vital as New York looks to curb Boston's momentum and secure the series win. The Yankees, currently favored at -139 on the money line, will rely on Gil to set the tone early and keep the Red Sox hitters at bay.
Offensive Highlights
The Yankees have been a force to be reckoned with this season, hitting 131 home runs—ranking them second in the league. This offensive power was on full display in their recent victory. Key players like Anthony Volpe and Jarren Duran have been instrumental in their performance. Volpe boasts a .253 batting average with six home runs and 32 RBI, and his contributions extend beyond just power hitting, as evidenced by his 16 doubles and seven triples this season.
On the other side, Boston’s batting lineup has demonstrated consistent prowess, ranking ninth in the majors with a collective batting average of .252. Jarren Duran has been particularly influential, batting .278 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI. Duran has also been red-hot, logging hits in seven consecutive contests. Rafael Devers leads the team with a .287 batting average, 19 home runs, 53 RBI, and an impressive .373 on-base percentage. Devers’ ability to drive in runs has been crucial, as he has recorded two RBI in four of his last five games.
Key Players to Watch
The Red Sox will be looking for standout performances from their big hitters, including Juan Soto and Rafael Devers. Soto has been in excellent form, sporting a .295 batting average with 21 home runs and 63 RBI this season. His power was evident in his recent game against the Reds, where he went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer on July 4. As for Devers, his knack for delivering in clutch moments will be pivotal for Boston’s success in this critical matchup.
The Yankees will definitely look to their power hitters to continue their dominance. Volpe and Duran's recent performances suggest they could play instrumental roles. However, the Yankees' hopes will heavily rest on Gil’s ability to tame the Boston hitters with his commanding presence on the mound.
The final game of this electrifying series is set to commence at 7:10 p.m. ET. Fans can expect a thrilling and competitive matchup as both teams leave everything on the field in pursuit of victory.