Following a challenging losing streak in California, the Boston Red Sox, bolstered by a resurgent Chris Sale and the Diamondbacks’ rookie Brandon Pfaadt’s overreliance on four-seamers, are hopeful for a successful turnaround in their upcoming Friday night game. Can they do it? Read on for our free match preview and betting picks.
Match Live Friday 26th May, 9:40 PM ET
Key Stats
– Rookie Brandon Pfaadt’s over-reliance on four-seamers is apparent, with over 50% of his pitches being four-seamers, leading to opponents having a .347 batting average against him.
– The Red Sox’s recent downturn saw them scoring just four runs during a four-game losing streak in California.
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Boston Red Sox vs Arizona Diamondbacks Predictions: Boston Red Sox Eyeing Victory
The Boston Red Sox recently experienced a patch of turbulence during their games in California. Having secured a victorious start by winning the first two matches in San Diego, the Red Sox later faced an unfortunate reversal of fortune. They lost four consecutive games, with the Angels sweeping them off their feet in an unexpected turn of events. However, their string of losses wasn’t the primary concern; it was the sudden underperformance of Boston’s offense that raised eyebrows.
Throughout their four-game losing streak, the Red Sox managed to rack up a mere total of four runs. Entering their off-day on Thursday, the team undoubtedly found themselves reflecting on this downturn in form. However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon, and his name is Chris Sale.
Chris Sale: The Savior on the Mound
Friday night’s game will feature Chris Sale, the Red Sox’s seasoned lefty, who has recently been showing signs of returning to his prime form. After a rocky start to the season, Sale has notched up an impressive record of 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in three starts in May alone. These statistics are not just numbers, they represent his sterling performances against formidable opponents such as the Phillies, Cardinals, and Padres.
One of the key factors contributing to Sale’s success is his rekindled mastery of the wicked slider. This pitch, characterized by its ability to deceive hitters, ranks in the 89th percentile in chase rate. Sale’s slider is expected to cause a significant amount of swings and misses from the Diamondbacks. Given Arizona’s lackluster 19th rank in wRC+ against lefties, the scales seem to tilt in favor of Sale and the Red Sox.
Brandon Pfaadt: The Unsettled Rookie
The Diamondbacks have placed their faith in rookie Brandon Pfaadt to counter Sale’s prowess. However, Pfaadt’s record of a 7.65 ERA and a 7.41 FIP in four starts paints a rather grim picture. Although 13 of the 17 runs he allowed this season occurred during his first two outings, Pfaadt has still been struggling with his performance.
Despite improving since those rocky starts by conceding only four runs and seven hits in 10.1 innings against the Giants and Pirates, Pfaadt continues to over-rely on his fastball. More than 50% of his pitches are four-seamers, a pitch that opponents have been exploiting with a .347 batting average and a .309 xBA.
The Turnaround: Boston Red Sox Eyeing Victory
Coming off a day of rest and facing a new adversary, the Boston Red Sox could be poised for a much-needed turnaround. The team is optimistic about snapping their losing streak on Friday night. Sale’s improving form and Pfaadt’s over-reliance on his fastball offer promising conditions for the Red Sox to regain their footing and return to their winning ways.
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