New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox AL Wildcard 10/5/21 MLB Picks and Predictions
Photo by Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Red Sox (92-70) vs New York Yankees (92-70)
Game Info: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 8:08 pm (Fenway Park)
Nathan Eovaldi (11-9) (3.70) vs Gerrit Cole (16-8) (3.23)
Betting Odds: Boston Red Sox +105 / New York Yankees -115 --- Over/Under: 8.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox face off on Tuesday in the American League Wild card game at Fenway Park. These two teams faced off 19 times this season and the Red Sox won ten of the games.
The Yankees had to beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday to clinch their berth in the playoffs. When most people think of the New York Yankees, they think of the offense, but they are averaging only 4.39 runs per game which is 19th in baseball. On the road, the Yankees offense has actually been a bit better averaging 4.42 runs per game. The Yankees offense leans on the long ball, having hit 222 home runs this season which is 6th best in baseball. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are the top offensive players. Judge has hit 39 home runs and driven in 98 RBI’s while Stanton has hit 35 home runs and driven in 97 RBI’s. Against right-handed pitchers, the Yankees are averaging .230 compared to the .255 they bat against left-handed pitchers.
On the other side of this matchup is the Red Sox who had to beat the Washington Nationals in their last game to host the Wild Card game. They are riding a three-game winning streak heading into this game. The Red Sox are averaging 5.12 runs per game which is 5th best in the MLB. At home, the offense is even better averaging 5.80 runs per game. They have also hit 219 home runs which is the 10th best in the league. Rafael Devers hasn’t been getting enough attention for what he has done hitting 38 home runs and driving in 113 RBI’s. Six different players have hit at least 20 home runs. J.D. Martinez has hit 28 home runs and driven in 98 RBI’s. Against right-handed pitchers the Red Sox are batting .260 compared to left-handers who they hit .264 against.
On the mound for the Yankees is Gerrit Cole who has really struggled as of late. Over Cole’s last three starts he has given up 15 runs.
On the mound for the Red Sox is Nathan Eovaldi who has gone 182.1 innings this season giving up 81 runs. In his last start against the Orioles he went six innings giving up four runs and zero runs.
The Yankees are 5-1 in their last six road games. The Red Sox are 8-1 in their last nine playoff games. The Yankees are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boston. The under is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings.
The total always seems to be a little exaggerated when these two teams face off. Cole has struggled for the Yankees, but the leash will be short for him with the loser of this being eliminated. I do expect a good start from Eovaldi, and that will lead to a lower-scoring game. It’s a lean to the Red Sox, but the under will cash.
Shane’s Pick Under
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
