MLB Predictions 2012: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

The Boston Red Sox (49-50) and New York Yankees (59-39) will open up a three-game American League East series on Friday night at Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

New York Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira has blasted Boston Red Sox pitching this year

Boston enters this series 10.5 games back of New York in the divisional race, with the club also falling five games off the pace in the Wild Card standings due to dropping five of its last six contests. “We definitely need to win the series,” commented Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. “That goes without saying.” Offensively, the team is still missing designated hitter David Ortiz, but welcomed back outfielders Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury. Boston is 3-7 as a road underdog of +150 to +175 the last two-plus seasons, with the “over” going 8-2 in that situation.

Red Sox starting pitcher Aaron Cook (2-3, 3.50 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last four outings, suffering a 7-3 home setback to the Toronto Blue Jays in his last effort. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA in two road outings, but has registered just two strikeouts in 15 combined innings. Cook was handed an 8-3 setback to the Yankees in his only career start against them on June 25 of last year, allowing six runs (five earned) and 12 hits over 5.2 frames.

New York returns home after a 2-5 road trip against AL West opponents, but ended things with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon. “After losing five games by a total of six runs, to be able to win a series was important going into an off-day,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira have been incredible offensively against the Red Sox this year, combining to hit six home runs and drive in 26 runs. New York is 11-5 as a home favorite of -150 to -175, with the “under” going 13-3 in those contests.

Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (9-8, 4.09 ERA) has also watched his club alternate wins and losses over his last four outings, dropping a 2-1 road decision to the Oakland Athletics in his last effort, allowing two runs and four hits over 7.2 frames. The right-hander is 6-3 with a 3.94 ERA in 10 home outings, surrendering 14 home runs in 61.2 combined innings. In four home games against the Red Sox, Hughes has tallied an 0-2 record and 4.30 ERA.