It's that time again. The Red Sox are coming to the Bronx for a three game series. This series is crucial for the Red Sox as they are fighting for the wild card spot and are currently competing with two of the best teams, besides the Yanks, in the AL East, Baltimore and Tampa Bay. They really have to find their groove and start winning in order to clinch that wild card. How do they do it? First off, they need to shut the Bronx Bombers down. That is going to be a challenge for sure. The Yankees, who are in first place in the AL East couldn't be performing any better right now. They just won 3-4 during the series with the Rangers. Their offense was right on target. With David Ortiz and Middlebrooks on the DL, the Red Sox offense must pick up the slack, not to mention their pitching staff. The Red Sox pitching has been struggling and in order to shut the Yankees down, a team is going to need outstanding pitching.
For the series opener on Friday, it is Phil Hughes (11-10, 4.44 ERA) vs. Morales (3-3, 3.29 ERA). Phil Hughes has had his up's and down's but he was charged with the two most recent losses, prior to the loss to the Rangers yesterday. Although Hughes has been inconsistent, he has shown great potential. I think Phil Hughes is due for a win and I think he's going to get it in the series opener against the Red Sox. Hughes really dealt during his last matchup with the Red Sox on July 27th, earning the win, while Morales struggled against the Yankees on July 7th with a loss. Hughes will want to continue his success against the Sox and try to get this win, while Morales wants to get revenge. It will be a great pitching matchup!
Nick Swisher ha been on fire against the Red Sox this year. He is 11 for 26 (.423) with three home runs, three doubles, and twelve RBI's against the Sox this season. The Red Sox really need to keep an eye on Swisher because one wrong pitch and he can do a lot of damage. Jayson Nix and McGehee have been delivering for the Yanks as well. With A-Rod out, Chavez, Nix, and McGehee have really stepped up to the plate.
I think the series can go either way. The Yankees have been playing very well and have been very consistent (offense), but their pitching needs to become more consistent. The Red Sox are very eager and need to win this series in order to be considered for the wildcard so it will just come down to what team performs and what team doesn't. I really think the way that the Yankees have been playing, they could easily take the entire series, or 2-3. This is my favorite series, by far..Can't wait to see what happens! Of course, go Yanks!
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