The New York Yankees (62-58) are surging and hoping to make up ground in a desperate chase for an American League East crown. They'll face the first place Boston Red Sox (72-51) tonight at 7:05 p.m. in Fenway Park. Live stream the pivotal series here; Yankees fans can listen to the game on WCBS 880, while Red Sox Nation can tune in to WEEI 93.7.
The Yankees, 8.5 games behind Boston for the division lead, are fresh off taking three out of four games from the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. The catalyst for them has been white-hot outfielder Alfonso Soriano, who was brought over from the Chicago Cubs in a deal just before the trade deadline.
In the final three games of the series with L.A., Soriano was 10-for-14 with four home runs and a whopping 14 RBI. The explosion of power and production showed what New York has lacked for most of the season as they dealt with myriad injuries. With Soriano and Alex Rodriguez playing regularly, as well as Curtis Granderson, the order is filling out nicely around Robinson Cano.
Kicking this important series off on the mound for the Yankees is Andy Pettitte (7-9, 4.62 ERA) whom the Yankees have long leaned on for big games. This hasn't been a pretty season for Pettitte, though, who has looked every bit like a 41-year-old tends to in the big leagues.
Still, manager Joe Girardi said he and his team are attacking Boston with vigor. "It's playoff baseball for us right now. I think the guys enjoy the challenge, I really do. They understand what we have to do."
Countering Pettitte for the Red Sox will be Felix Doubront (8-5, 3.66 ERA), who has been a surprisingly consistent cog in Boston's rotation. In his most recent start, Doubront shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks over seven five-hit innings.
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