The New York Yankees are set to face off with the Boston Red Sox one day before the rest of the baseball world gets back in action, starting their first of two four-game sets in a week on Thursday night in the Bronx.
Theoretically, the Yanks have home-field advantage in this one. Theoretically.
At this point in the season, the Bombers both need a miracle and need to get off the schneid against Boston. Winning the series seems essential for their hopes of contending. Winning just one game seems larger than life for their mental health.
Although Kiké Hernández seems bothered to be reporting for duty after just a three-day All-Star break, based on the season to date, he should be thankful for an additional chance to beat up on his punching back Yankees.
Thursday’s game isn’t for all the marbles, per se, but as the days pile up…the Yankees need to start securing wins against their chief rival.
Will this be 2009, when the Yanks ignited in the second half after a winless first half against the Sawks? Or will it be…well, 2021, a year of near-constant disappointment? The second half of the story begins tonight.
What Channel is the Yankees Game on Today?
Thursday’s contest will be aired nationally on ESPN! Oh, boy. Oh, cool.
Yankees vs Red Sox Odds Today
Despite the complete lack of a starting pitcher, the Yankees are still favored on the moneyline to take down Eduardo Rodriguez and the BoSox (-130). The Sox are +110 — do you trust the Yanks in a must-win enough to back them as a favorite here?
The spread, however, is a different story — it’s -1.5, and the Yankees are +150 to cover that. Vegas sees a close New York victory, with an O/U of 9.5.
Yankees vs Red Sox Pitching Matchup
The Sox will send E-Rod to the mound (6-5, 5.52), someone the Yankees should theoretically hit hard with their all-righty lineup, but who outdueled them in last month’s finale at Fenway. Two of Rodriguez’s last three starts have been brilliant, including six one-hit innings on the road in Oakland. After a terrifying bout with myocarditis that threw a wrench into his abbreviated 2020, it’s nice to see a return to semi-normalcy.
As for the Yankees? Domingo German, the man who was on the mound to begin Sunday’s meltdown, is starting the second half. Great sign.
Yankees Starting Lineup
Watch this space! Perhaps new call-up Trey Amburgey will get a start.
Yankees vs Red Sox Prediction Today
It’s hard to pick against the Yankees every single day, but we’ll certainly try. The season is already somewhat over, but it’ll be extremely over if they lose this game. We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and predict a 6-4 win.
Yankees vs Red Sox Live Stream
If you need a live stream, head to FuboTV for a free trial!
Yankees: Stop comparing 2021 roster to 2009 World Series team
The 2021 New York Yankees are nothing compared to the 2009 New York Yankees, so stop comparing them at this juncture please.