To me, Wednesday\u2019s matchup with Boston represents the New York Yankees\u2019 season in a nutshell. They\u2019re major contenders, narrowly behind Boston, and they need Phil Hughes to step up if they want to close the gap. <\/p>\n
Bet On MLB \u2013 Yankees vs Red Sox Preview & Pick<\/strong> New York Yankees (80-52 through August 29)<\/strong> This is the case on Wednesday and the same will be true if these teams meet in a playoff series.<\/p>\n Hughes\u2019 last start is probably fresh in Yankee fans\u2019 minds; he got rocked for six runs and seven hits before leaving after just 2.2 innings. But, before that disaster, Hughes had shown signs of life, turning in four quality starts in a five-outing span. He\u2019s 4-2 over eight starts since the All-Star Break.<\/p>\n Problem: The Red Sox have his number. They\u2019ve annihilated him for seven runs on nine hits in 2.1 innings over two appearances this season. He has a 6.25 lifetime ERA versus Boston. David Ortiz really has Hughes figured out; Papi is 7 for 15 (.467) with a homer, three doubles and five RBI against Hughes all-time. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Boston Red Sox (82-51 through August 29)<\/strong> Though they\u2019re still waiting for Kevin Youkilis (back) and Clay Buchholz (back) to return for the stretch run, the Boston Red are humming along, having won five of six through Monday. Adrian Gonzales (.345, 23 HR, 103 RBI) has to be the American League MVP frontrunner but Boston has three other guys who warrant consideration: Jacoby Ellsbury (.312, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 36 SB), Ortiz (.311, 27 HR, 86 RBI) and Dustin Pedroia (.308, 17 HR, 71 RBI).<\/p>\n Josh Beckett will look for his 14th<\/sup> victory in 27 career starts against the Yankees on Wednesday. Though they roughed him up on the past, Beckett has made the Bronx Bombers look like a Triple-A team this season, going 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 27 innings over four starts.<\/p>\n NYY are 46-19 in their last 65 Wed. games. Let\u2019s not overthink this one. Hughes struggles mightily against Boston, Beckett is the Yankees\u2019 daddy and he\u2019s also lost once in 11 starts at Fenway Park this season. The evidence to support a Boston pick is overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Wednesday, August 31, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Fenway Park, Boston, MA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>ESPN, NESN
\nNew York Yankees at Boston Red Sox Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Red Sox -161<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 9<\/strong>
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\nPhil Hughes (4-4, 6.46)<\/p>\n
\nJosh Beckett (11-5, 2.43)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nOver is 13-6-1 in NYY last 20 overall.
\nOver is 13-6-1 in NYY last 20 on grass.
\nUnder is 8-2 in BOS last 10 Wed. games.
\nUnder is 6-2 in BOS last 8 home games.
\nUnder is 11-5 in BOS last 16 overall.
\nNYY are 2-9 in the last 11 meetings.
\nOver is 34-16-1 in the last 51 meetings in Boston.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n