MLB Picks: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees (63-59) and Boston Red Sox (73-52) will close out a three-game American League East series Sunday night at Fenway Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET on ESPN

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have enjoyed success at the plate against New York Yankees SP CC Sabathia in recent years

New York has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it comes off a 6-1 defeat to Boston as +119 road underdogs Saturday, while going UNDER the betting total for the first time in five contests. “We can’t dig ourselves in a hole for no reason,” commented Yankees first baseman Lyle Overbay. “We’ve got to be sound.” Offensively, the team continues to be led by outfielder Alfonso Soriano, who improved to 15-for-22 over his last five games. New York is 9-16 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the UNDER going 14-10-1 in that situation.

Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (10-10, 4.66 ERA) picked up a 14-7 home victory over the Los Angeles Angels last time out, as he allowed three runs (two earned) and three hits over six frames. The left-hander is 3-5 with a 5.35 ERA in 12 road outings, surrendering 14 home runs in 77.1 combined innings. In 25 career games versus the Red Sox, Sabathia has compiled a 9-10 record and 4.45 ERA, including a no-decision effort in a 8-7 road loss on July 21.

Boston snapped a three-game losing streak by scoring more than four runs for the first time since Aug. 10, but it still went UNDER the betting total for the sixth time in seven contests. The Red Sox now own a 7-4 advantage over the Yankees in this 19-game series in 2013, which includes a 3-2 mark at this ballpark. Designated hitter David Ortiz launched his team-leading 24 home run Saturday afternoon, while outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury contributed two RBIs. Boston is 23-18 versus left-handed starters this season, with the UNDER going 25-14-2 in that situation.

Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (6-8, 4.50 ERA) has led the club to six consecutive victories, including a no-decision effort in a 4-2 road win over the Toronto Blue Jays last time out. The right-hander is 4-6 with a 4.57 ERA in 15 home games, surrendering 15 home runs in 88.2 combined innings. In seven career games versus the Yankees, Dempster has tallied a winless 0-5 record and 6.98 ERA.