The Boston Red Sox are aiming to regain some momentum ahead of the playoffs when they host the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night in the second game of a three-game series. The Guardians won the first game 3-2, extending their winning streak to six games. This was the Red Sox's third consecutive loss, dropping their record to 84-73 and their September standing to 9-10. Despite this, they secured a wild-card berth on Sunday.
The Red Sox have been dealing with some concerns, particularly with left-handed reliever Erik Miller. Acquired from San Francisco in August, Miller has struggled in September, allowing nine walks and hitting two batters. In Tuesday's game, he hit Chase DeLauter in the ninth inning, leading to the game-winning run scoring on Nathaniel Lowe's sacrifice fly. Miller has given up six runs and six walks in his last 3 1/3 innings, taking the loss on Tuesday.
Boston manager Chad Tracy expressed confidence in Miller, stating that he's working through issues and that the team still trusts his abilities. Tracy mentioned that Miller's recent performance was a step in the right direction, despite the hit batter and free passes. The Red Sox will try to get Miller back on track before the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Guardians remain at the top of the American League Central standings, one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox.
The Guardians' manager, Stephen Vogt, praised Nathaniel Lowe as a professional hitter who doesn't try to do too much. Lowe's sacrifice fly in Tuesday's game scored the winning run. Vogt also noted that the team left many runners on base, with 15 stranded and a 1-for-12 hitting performance with runners in scoring position. Despite this, the Guardians' pitching staff picked up the team, allowing them to secure the win.
The Guardians have a magic number of two to clinch a playoff berth, and their recent wins have kept them ahead in the division. Chicago still holds the division tiebreaker over Cleveland. The Red Sox, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back and regain some momentum before the playoffs. Their center fielder, Ceddanne Rafaela, is expected to be activated from the injured list on Wednesday.
The upcoming game will feature a pitching matchup between right-hander Sonny Gray for the Red Sox and left-hander Foster Griffin for the Guardians. Gray has a record of 17-5 with a 2.82 ERA and is 8-5 with a 3.12 ERA in 21 career starts against the Guardians. Griffin, with a record of 15-5 and a 3.67 ERA, will be making his first career appearance against the Red Sox.
The Red Sox and Guardians have different priorities heading into the game, with Boston seeking to regain momentum and Cleveland chasing a division title. The game will be a crucial one for both teams as they prepare for the playoffs. The Red Sox will look to bounce back from their recent losses, while the Guardians aim to continue their winning streak and secure a playoff berth.
Key points
- The Boston Red Sox are looking to regain momentum ahead of the playoffs.
- The Cleveland Guardians are chasing a division title and have a magic number of two to clinch a playoff berth.
- The game features a pitching matchup between Sonny Gray and Foster Griffin.
