Red Sox (Rodriguez, 13-8, 4.72) vs. Rays (McLanahan, 10-6, 3.43)

Off an impressive Wild Card win against the Yankees, Boston now faces a very potent and well-rested Rays team. A pair of lefties are on the mound. Rodriguez has been sharp for Boston in his last starts, but all over the map against the Rays this year, shutting them out over 6 innings in one game, then giving up 6 over 3+ innings five days later. He can struggle in the 4th nd 5th innings.

The youngster McLanahan has had a very successful season, and has a 2.65 ERA in his last 7 starts. He won 2 of 3 against the Red Sox, both wins quite handily. He has pitched in the playoffs last year.

Boston’s bullpen has been good in their last 7 games, but the Rays’ has been better. Boston is not that great on the road nor are they more than effective versus lefties. Rays are superlative at home and better vs. left-handed pitching.

With the Rays it is a little of “anything you can do, I can do better”. Their pitching is leading the league in effectiveness in the last weeks. They are outhitting Boston significantly in the same time period. They have not been giving up many runs of late. I am a little surprised at the odds for this game. I see the Rays as more of a favorite. Take the Rays to win outright.