The best rivalry in baseball is back. The Red Sox will take on the Yankees in the ALDS for a chance to advance in the MLB postseason, and you can bet on the fact that this is going to be an entertaining series. But before the best-of-five series kicks off, here's three things to know about how the two teams have played each other this season.
BOSTON RECORD VS YANKEES: 10-9
Home Sweet Home
Home field advantage in this series is real. Boston went 7-3 at Fenway Park, including a four game sweep in early August. On the road? Boston was just 3-6. The Sox had the best record in baseball, meaning they will host games one, two and five (if necessary). Not only is it key to get off to a great start, but being able to play a potential clinching or elimination game at home could be huge for the Red Sox.
Runs. Runs. Runs.
Boston and New York had the third and fifth, respectively, best ERAs in baseball this season, but fans from both teams will tell you the numbers don't tell the whole story. Both bullpens have struggled since the All-Star Break and each team has one, maybe two, starters they trust to be consistantly dominant. Boston led the league in runs per game (5.41) and scored more than a half run better per game against the Yanks (6.11). Expect this series to be a shootout.
Stars Shine.
When the rivalry heats up, so do the big bats. Boston's mashers have been particulary lethal against the Yanks. Mookie Betts (.415/.506/.738, 3 HR, 15 RBIs, 10 2B), JD Martinez (.333 BA, 4 HR, 20 RBIs), and Andrew Benintendi (.358/.419/.552, 12 RBI, 8 2B, 4 SB) have eaten off Yankee pitching. Expect the stars to shine under the brightest lights of the season.