Boston Red Sox Set to Face Los Angeles Dodgers in Crucial Series as Playoff Hopes Hang in Balance
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Boston Red Sox are gearing up to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a pivotal three-game series. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Red Sox are looking to secure a series win against the dominant Dodgers.
After handing the Dodgers just their fourth loss in the month of August, the Red Sox are feeling confident heading into Sunday’s game. In their latest game, the Red Sox displayed their power at the plate with Alex Verdugo, Justin Turner, and Adam Duvall all hitting home runs. Verdugo’s impressive performance also made history, as he became the first player in Red Sox history to hit leadoff home runs in three consecutive games.
The Red Sox, currently trailing 3 1/2 games behind the final American League wild-card spot, are fully aware of the significance of every game at this stage of the season. According to Verdugo, Every game matters right now, especially in this stretch. We know we’ve got some games to catch up on, to put us in the spot to get to the playoffs. For us, this is very much playoff baseball.
On the other hand, the Dodgers have been enjoying an exceptional month of August, winning 20 out of their 24 games. Despite their comfortable lead in the National League West, the Dodgers are not taking the upcoming series lightly. Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, believes that his team will respond to the challenge, just as they have throughout the season.
As for the pitching matchup on Sunday, Boston’s right-hander Tanner Houck will take the mound. After being on the injured list since June 18 with a facial fracture, Houck made a solid return in his last start against the Houston Astros. Although he hasn’t secured a win since April, Houck has consistently pitched at least five innings in the majority of his outings this season.
Opposing Houck will be the Dodgers’ left-hander Caleb Ferguson. This will be Ferguson’s fourth start of the season, and interestingly, his first-ever career appearance against the Red Sox.
Notably, the returning star Mookie Betts has been in sensational form for the Dodgers. Betts went 3-for-6 in the second game of his return series to Boston, extending his hitting streak to 14 games. While the ovation from the Boston crowd was a memorable moment for Betts, he is now fully focused on helping the Dodgers secure victories in the crucial series.
With so much at stake for both teams, this Red Sox-Dodgers matchup promises to be an intense battle. The Red Sox are desperate for wins to boost their playoff chances, while the Dodgers aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their position atop the National League West.
As the teams take the field on Sunday afternoon, all eyes will be on Fenway Park, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this highly significant game.
