The New York Yankees might be struggling with pitching, but the team's production at the plate has been spot on through the start of the year. The biggest surprise could be Alex Rodriguez who continues to knock balls out of the park. Friday was no different. Despite getting showered with boos from the Red Sox, Rodriguez hit another round of home runs and aims to continue the trend.
Rodriguez can officially moved into fourth place on the all-time run list after getting tied with Willie Mays following a home run to break a 2-2 tie against the Red Sox on Friday. The home run overshadows the 4- for 31 slump he was previously in which caused him to be left out of the starting lineup for the past three games. However, the pinch hit came at the right time as Rodriguez continues to make an impact.
The Red Sox hope to minimize that by putting Wade Miley on the mound who is currently 1-2 with a 8.62 ERA. Miley has been hot and cold this season. He gave up two runs over five innings in his debut, but then he surrender seven runs in his next two of three starts. He gave up seven runs in just two innings against the Baltimore Orioles as the Red Sox fell 18-7. Miley called that game nothing short of embarrassing and vows to improve against the New York Yankees.
New York has been having pitching issues as of late with injuries to Masahiro Tanaka and struggles by CC Sabathia. The team will start Nathan Eovaldi on the mound who gave up three runs against Boston earlier in the season. Eovaldi has never pitched at Fenway Park before and might have a hard time against a thriving Boston offense.
Pablo Sandoval is currently 10 for 14 against Eovaldi. That is paired with the success of Allen Craig and Mike Napoli along with David Ortiz who is hitting .440 with five home runs and 19 RBIs against the Yankees. Boston has injury issues with Ryan Hanigan who is out with a broken knuckle. Sandy Leon will replace him.
