The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are ready to do battle in the middle game of a three-game set at new Yankee Stadium

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

Boston captured a 6-4 road victory against New York Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series between the fierce American League East rivals.  The Red Sox are now tied for the top spot in the division and last night’s starting pitcher Jon Lester improved to 8-1 in 14 career starts against the Yankees.  “We’ve been playing better then what they have,” said Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.  “That doesn’t mean we have to go to sleep and stay right there.  We just have to keep on playing.”  Ortiz is batting .414 over his last 18 games and hit his seventh home run during that span yesterday to give the club its seventh win in its last eight at the new Yankee Stadium.  Boston is 23-19 versus right-handed starters this year.

Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield is 2-1 with a 4.40 ERA in 14 games (five starts) this season and is coming off a no-decision effort last time out versus the White Sox at home.  The right-hander has made six appearances (one start) on the road, posting a 1-0 mark and 2.70 ERA, as opponents are hitting just .204 against him.  Wakefield will be making his first start (second appearance) of the year versus the Yankees, which also serves as his first ever start at the new Yankee Stadium.  He pitched two scoreless relief innings against New York on April 9 at Fenway Park.  In 56 career appearances (34 starts) versus the Bronx Bombers, the veteran has compiled an 11-17 record and 4.90 ERA.

New York has dropped all four contests against Boston at Yankee Stadium, opening a 10-game homestand on the losing side.  “You lose six of seven and you’re still tied for first, that usually doesn’t happen,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.  “In a sense, we are fortunate that way.”  The Yankees have still won 13 of their last 19 games, but may have suffered a bigger loss in the contest with first baseman Mark Teixeira leaving the game.  He was hit on the right knee by a pitch from Lester and is listed as day-to-day.  New York is 13-10 versus division opponents this year and 21-18 against right-handed starters.

Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett is 6-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts this season and is coming off a 4-2 road victory over the Athletics.  The right-hander has compiled a 5-1 record and 3.63 ERA in seven home starts, as opponents are batting just .221 against him.  Over his entire career, he has nearly twice as many wins as losses at home, going 64-36 with a 3.57 ERA in his home ballpark.  Burnett is winless in his last eight starts against Boston, going 0-3 with a 7.59 ERA over that stretch since Sept. 19, 2008.  In 15 career starts versus the Red Sox, he is 5-3 with a 4.79 ERA.

Bettors will likely back the Red Sox due to their 20-6 record versus winning clubs, while the yankees are 11-24 in Burnett’s last 35 starts