If the series opener was any indication, the Atlanta Braves’ two-game pit stop at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox could end with more fireworks. It took 11 innings for things to finally be settled on Tuesday, as the Braves stole the first game in the series. The Red Sox will clearly come out swinging in Wednesday’s finale in an effort to even up things. Kyle Wright gets the nod to start on the mound at pitcher opposite of Boston’s Nick Pivetta.
The offense came when the Braves needed it, while the Red Sox sputtered out of juice late in Tuesday’s opener.
Let’s also give credit to the many relief arms that held strong against a Red Sox team ranked sixth in the league in average hits (8.70) and 11th in runs scored per game (4.48).
They can turn on the offensive jets and leave an opposing team choking in their smoke at any point in a game.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, that point came on Tuesday as the Braves knocked in three runs in the final two innings to get a victory. They might have to do it again if Kyle Wright pitches like he did on the road against the New York Mets. The 26-year-old starter got cracked at Citi Field in a game where he allowed seven hits and six earned runs. That could very well happen again on Wednesday just like it did to Charlie Morton.
Wright has a 13-5 record with a 3.22 ERA. His best pitching work has come in his home building this season. Perhaps he can kick in the door and make himself feel more at home. The bats are clearly there for both teams in this series. So this one is far more likely to come down to Wright’s arm and the bullpen.
The Braves are expected to still be without catcher Travis d'Arnaud and second baseman Orlando Arcia for this game.