On Wednesday evening, the Baltimore Orioles (82-63, 79-66 RL, 79-56-10 O/U) will face the Boston Red Sox (73-71, 66-78 RL, 74-63-7 O/U) in the final game of their three-game series. This matchup features Dean Kremer pitching for the Orioles and Nick Pivetta on the mound for the Red Sox. The Orioles currently lead the season series with a record of 7-4 against Boston.
If handicapping seems challenging, check out our latest MLB Predictions!
Kremer Takes the Hill for Baltimore
Dean Kremer is set to finish off the series for Baltimore. In his last performance, he excelled by pitching six scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, earning himself a victory. Despite a rocky August where he posted a 5.28 ERA, Kremer holds a 4.27 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and a 7-9 record over 111.2 innings this season. He has had a tough time against the Red Sox, with a 6.45 ERA and a 2-4 record in 38 career innings pitched against them.
Currently, the Orioles are beginning a pivotal road trip. They are in a tight race with the New York Yankees for the top spot in the American League East, trailing by just 1.5 games. Baltimore has managed to win two of their last three series but suffered a disappointing series loss to the Rays recently, scoring three runs while allowing nine. Nevertheless, the team boasts a solid 10 games above .500 on the road.
Anthony Santander has been a standout player, driving in six RBIs over the last eight games. The 29-year-old first baseman ranks among the top hitters in the league, with 40 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an impressive .826 OPS. Against the Red Sox, he has achieved six RBIs and a .750 OPS this season.
As a team, Baltimore averages 4.92 runs per game, placing them fourth in the league. Their pitching staff maintains a 3.96 ERA, which ranks 12th overall.
Red Sox Seek Wildcard Spot
Nick Pivetta will take the mound for Boston on Wednesday. He performed well in his last outing, limiting the Chicago White Sox to just one run over six innings, securing a win. Pivetta has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last five starts, currently holding a 4.38 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP with a 5-10 record across 123.1 innings. Earlier this season, he surrendered three runs in five innings against the Orioles but has a favorable career record against them, boasting a 3.33 ERA and an 8-3 record.
The Red Sox are still in the hunt for a wildcard spot, sitting three games back. They have lost two of their last three series, including a road series loss to the New York Mets, but they managed to rebound with a series win against the White Sox, allowing just 13 runs in that series. Their performance at home has been less than ideal, with a record five games under .500.
Rafael Devers has struggled this month, with only one RBI and a low .539 OPS. However, he is having a solid season, hitting 28 home runs and driving in 81 RBIs with a .900 OPS. Notably, Devers has an impressive .985 OPS against the Orioles this year. Another key player, rookie Ceddanne Rafaela, has made a significant impact, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 69 RBIs with a .689 OPS. Against the Orioles, he has five RBIs but a lower .520 OPS.
As a team, the Red Sox score an average of 4.78 runs per game, ranking eighth in the league. Their pitching staff has a 4.16 ERA, placing them 18th overall.
Predictions for Orioles vs. Red Sox
The Baltimore Orioles have faced challenges on the road recently. They have lost two of their last three road series and are 1-4 in their last five games leading into Tuesday night. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox have fared better at home, boasting a 5-2 record in their last seven home games.
Additionally, Dean Kremer’s history against the Red Sox raises concerns; he holds a 6.45 ERA and a 2-4 record in his career against them, alongside a troubling 5.28 ERA from last month. On the other hand, Nick Pivetta has proven effective against the Orioles, maintaining a 3.33 ERA and an 8-3 record throughout his career.
