The Boston Red Sox are set to clash with the New York Mets, both teams showcasing their strengths as they push for playoff positions. The Red Sox currently hold a 70-68 record, battling for a wild card spot despite a recent slump of three straight losses. Meanwhile, the Mets, with a record of 74-64, are riding a five-game winning streak that keeps them in the hunt for a wild card berth in the National League. For this matchup, Kutter Crawford will take the mound for the Red Sox, while the Mets will rely on David Peterson, who has been solid lately, allowing only five runs in his last three outings.
Red Sox Look to Build Momentum with Crawford on the Mound
The Red Sox are looking to regain their footing and make a strong push for the postseason. Kutter Crawford, their starting pitcher, aims to continue his impressive performance, having yielded just 79 runs over 155 innings and racking up 141 strikeouts. With an expected opponent batting average of .224 and a 3.87 expected ERA, Crawford has proven tough for batters to handle, limiting scoring opportunities.
While Crawford shines on the mound, the Red Sox lineup has also played a pivotal role in their success, averaging 4.80 runs per game. Rafael Devers leads the charge with a .284 batting average, 28 home runs, and 259 total bases. Jarren Duran has also contributed significantly, boasting a .295 average with 21 home runs. The depth of the lineup has been crucial, with Tyler O’Neill, Wilyer Abreu, and Rob Refsnyder combining for additional power, making the Red Sox a formidable opponent.
Mets Aim for Offensive Firepower Behind Peterson
The Mets are looking to solidify their playoff aspirations as the season winds down. David Peterson, despite some struggles earlier in the season, has shown improvement, allowing 32 runs in 92.1 innings pitched. With a .274 expected opponent batting average and a 5.15 expected ERA, he will need support from his offense to secure a win.
Recently, the Mets’ lineup has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 4.75 runs per game and scoring 29 runs over their last six games. Mark Vientos has emerged as a key player, hitting .282 with 21 home runs, while Francisco Lindor adds depth with a .269 average and 29 home runs. The combination of Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez, and Brandon Nimmo further bolsters the lineup, making it difficult for opposing pitchers to find success.
Key Matchup Insights for Red Sox vs. Mets
This matchup promises to be an exciting battle as both teams strive for playoff positioning. The Red Sox will aim to surprise the Mets, while the home team seeks to maintain their winning streak. With an average of 4.75 runs per game, the Mets’ lineup, featuring players like Vientos and Lindor, is poised to challenge Crawford effectively. David Peterson’s recent form suggests he could neutralize the Red Sox bats, potentially leading to a strong performance. Given their current momentum, the Mets are favored to secure a victory and extend their winning streak to six games.
