Game 79: Yankees and Red Sox Go At It Again

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees host the Red Sox in the second game of three game series Saturday night after defeating Boston 6-0 Friday night. The Yankees have now beaten Boston six times in the eight games they have played against each other, and they look to make it 7 out of 9 Saturday.

Masahiro Tanaka (11-2, 2.11 ERA) gets the start in Game 2 after giving up 3 runs and 6 hits in 7 innings of work in an 8-0 lost to the Orioles. Tanaka pitched against the Red Sox his first and only time back in April. He threw 7 solid innings only allowing 2 runs off 7 hits and striking out 7 at Fenway.

Jon Lester (8-7, 3.14 ERA) is on the bump for the Red Sox. He has won his last two starts, only allowing 4 hits in each of those games, and he has won 5 of his last 6 starts. Lester is 1-1 against the Yankees this year. The last time he pitched at Fenway against the Yankees he gave up 11 hits and 8 runs in just 4 innings of work.

What to Watch For:

Battle of the Aces: Lester and Tanaka face off and the most notable thing about this is that Tanaka is pitching. Tanaka pitching is enough a reason to watch the game, and he gets to face a Red Sox team that has not done well against the Yankees this year. Lester got shelled the last time he pitched against New York, but he has been on fire lately.

The Gardner: Brett Gardner has been the most consistent and reliable player for the Yankees the last few weeks and he looks to continue his good play. He’s got 4 hits including a home run in his last 3 games. He is hitting .333 at home this season and he’s hitting .250 against the Red Sox.

Betts makes his debut: 21-year old infield/outfield prospect Mookie Betts has been called up in time for the game tonight. He’s hit .355 for AA affiliate Portland and .322 for Pawtucket this year so he looks to bring the Red Sox a much needed bat.