Boston’s Rick Porcello Looks to Turn Poor Season Around Against Orioles

On Friday night, American League East action heads to Oriole Park in Camden Yards when the Baltimore Orioles host the Boston Red Sox. The current line on has Boston favored at -143, with Baltimore at +120 and the over/under run total on 9.5.

Entering this game, Boston has a record of 29-24 overall and 12-14 on the road. The Red Sox are 7-3 in their past 10 games played. Baltimore has a record of 28-24 overall and 18-8 at home. The Orioles are 3-7 in their past 10 games played.

In the first game of this four-game series, Baltimore hit four homers to beat Boston 7-5. The series is expected to be somewhat contentious. Mark Trumbo had three hits for Baltimore including a two-run home run and has 2 home runs, 6 RBIs and 6 runs scored over his past 5 games.

Baltimore has now won three of its past four after dropping 7 straight. Boston on the other hand has lost three of its past five after winning 6 straight games.

Boston’s Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a three-run homer Thursday during the ninth inning for his third homer in six games. Over that stretch Bradley also has 10 RBIs.

Boston will send Rick Porcello to the mound on Friday. The Red Sox right-hander is 3-6 with an ERA of 4.21. Baltimore will counter with Alec Asher. The Orioles right-hander is 1-3 with an ERA of 3.77.

Reigning Cy Young Award winner Porcello continues to have a difficult season. He gave up 11 hits for a second consecutive start and lost last Sunday despite allowing only two runs in 6 plus innings. Porcello lost against Baltimore May 1 after allowing five hits and two runs in six innings.

In Asher’s third start this season he allowed 6 hits and as many runs over just two innings in a loss to Houston. On May 2, Asher lost to Boston 5-2 despite pitching well. He threw one inning out of the bullpen against Boston in a 6-2 setback April 23.

Boston catcher Christian Vazquez is 9 for 23 including 4 RBIs this season against Baltimore.

Orioles’ third baseman Manny Machado had 2 singles and now has 11 hits this season against the Red Sox.

Boston right fielder Mookie Betts has 4 hits in 28 at bats including 6 strikeouts over his past 7 games played.

Boston is 1-4 in its past 5 games versus AL East opponents.

Baltimore is 6-2 in its past 8 games versus AL East opponents.

Prediction: The Red Sox will look to rebound from their loss on Thursday. Lean here toward the visiting Red Sox.