The Yankees have lost five of six to the Red Sox this year, and New York is still hurting after getting swept at Yankee Stadium in May. But as the Daily News put it, it’s time for some payback.
The Yankees are clinging to a one-game lead over the Red Sox in the AL East, so this is about as big a series in June as you’ll ever see.
UPDATE: For the Boston Globe’s website, I wrote this extended preview for the series. Enjoy!
On the Hill:
Tuesday: Jon Lester (7-2, 3.94) vs. Freddy Garcia (4-4, 3.34)
Saturday: Tim Wakefield (2-1, 4.40) vs. A.J. Burnett (6-3, 3.86)
Sunday: Josh Beckett (4-2, 2.01) vs. CC Sabathia (7-3, 2.80)
Players to Watch:
David Ortiz: The DH is still pounding the baseball, as he’s riding a six-game hitting streak, five of which with two or more hits. He’s the reigning AL Player of the Week, and the Yankees know what he’s done to them in the past.
CC Sabathia: Thursday night’s matchup will be a big test for CC. Beckett already has defeated him twice this year, but now Sabathia is on a roll. He’s thrown eight innings or more in each of his last four starts.
Prediction:
Huge series, but I’m not optimistic. Even though Lester is struggling lately, he, along with the other two starters, have a lot of success against the Yankees. I’ll predict the Yankees salvage one on Thursday night.
