The Baltimore Orioles (61-57) will host the Boston Red Sox (59-60) on Friday in the opening matchup of a three-game series. The Orioles hold a 5 to 4 advantage in the season series.
The Red Sox are still in playoff contention, but there isn't much room for error as they are five games out of a Wild Card spot and also have the Twins, Orioles, and White Sox all ahead of them on the outside looking in. After winning three straight games, the Red Sox didn't show up on Thursday until the eighth inning, losing 8-2 to the Pirates.
Doubling down. pic.twitter.com/Y5bfaCNlNG
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 18, 2022
The Red Sox are 12th in MLB averaging 4.5 runs per game, and 19th with 112 home runs. Rafael Devers leds the team with 25 home runs and 63 RBI. Pitching has not been a strength for Boston, ranking 25th with a 4.33 ERA.
Kutter Crawford (3-4, 4.18 ERA) will start for the Red Sox on Friday. He is 2-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 10 road games this season. Crawford's only appearance against Baltimore this season came in relief on May 1, when he allowed one hit, a walk, and two runs, without recording an out.