MLB Predictions: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees (12-8) and Boston Red Sox (9-12) will continue an American League East series Wednesday night at Fenway Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees have enjoyed some success against Boston Red Sox SP John Lackey recently

New York has won back-to-back games, including a 9-3 victory over Boston as +105 road underdogs Tuesday, while going OVER the betting total for the fourth time in five contests. The Yankees are 15-14 in their last 29 meetings in this series, as they look to take control of the rivalry with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who scored two runs and had two RBIs last night. New York is 3-2 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season, with the OVER going 4-1 in that situation.

Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (2-1, 1.00 ERA) has picked up two consecutive victories, including a 2-0 home win over the Chicago Cubs last time out, as he allowed just four hits over six shutout innings. The right-hander became the first player to allow one-or-fewer earned runs and pitch at least six frames in each of his first three outings as a member of the Bronx Bombers. In two career games versus the Red Sox, Pineda has compiled a 1-1 record and 6.97 ERA.

Boston has dropped two consecutive games, while going OVER the betting total in its last three contests. Of the Red Sox’ 21 games this season, 12 have been decided by two or fewer runs, with the club putting together a 7-5 record in that situation. It’s important that the club strikes first in this affair, as New York is 10-2 on the season when scoring first and 2-6 when opponents score first. Boston is 0-4 at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season, with the OVER going 4-0 in those four opportunities.

Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey (2-2, 5.25 ERA) has suffered back-to-back defeats, including a 8-4 setback at home to the Baltimore Orioles last time out, as he gave up six runs and 10 hits over 5.1 frames. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA in two home efforts, with opposing hitters batting .306 against him. In his last nine outings versus the Yankees, Lackey has a 6.26 ERA.