The set-up: Boston's been playing a lot better after a slow start, but it has a lot of work to do to catch up to the surging Yankees. Red Sox' ace Chris Sale, like his team, also started slow, but he's sure turned things around over the last three weeks. I believe that momentum carries over here in this important early division battle. The home side goes with the volatile JA Happ.

The pitchers: Sale (1-6, 4.19 ERA) is 1-1 with a 2.23 ERA over his last five starts and he's posted a 2.44 ERA over his last seven starts. Sale was roughed up by the Yanks in early April, so he'll be extra motivated here as well to atone for that "brain fart." Also note that he's 6-5 with a 1.87 ERA over 18 career regular season appearances vs. New York.

Happ (4-3, 5.09) is 3-0 with a sub-par 5.40 ERA over his last three starts. Happ's enjoyed success vs. the Red Sox in the past, but I think his inconsistent 2019 season continues vs. this hungry Red Sox side.

The pick: I like Sale to continue his progression and I'm basing this pick primarily on that happening.

Boston Red Sox

10* play