The Boston Red Sox look to build on their impressive momentum as they host the Seattle Mariners tonight in the second contest of their three-game series at historic Fenway Park.
Boston enters the matchup riding a remarkable wave, having claimed victory in six of their last seven outings. Their recent success has been powered by an explosive offense that's averaging 5.43 runs per game during this hot streak. Overall, the Red Sox rank eighth in the majors with 4.64 runs per game this season.
The Red Sox batting order presents particular challenges for right-handed pitchers, as evidenced by their .740 OPS against righties compared to a more modest .693 against lefties. Their lineup features dangerous left-handed hitters including Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Rafael Devers, while right-handed batters Alex Bregman and Trevor Story provide balanced production with favorable platoon splits.
They'll face Mariners starter Emerson Hancock, who has struggled to establish himself at the major league level. The 25-year-old right-hander carries a concerning 5.29 ERA across 17 career starts, with a pedestrian strikeout rate of just 5.6 per nine innings and a lifetime WHIP of 1.404. His 2025 campaign has started poorly, surrendering eight earned runs on 12 hits through just 5.2 innings in his first two starts.
While Boston appears to have the edge, Seattle brings formidable offensive capabilities to Fenway. The Mariners rank sixth in MLB with 33 home runs this season, led by catcher Cal Raleigh, whose nine homers top the majors. Raleigh has been particularly effective against left-handed pitching, connecting for three home runs in just 31 plate appearances versus southpaws this year.
According to Statbet, the Over has hit in four of Seattle's last five games, suggesting their offensive production has been consistent regardless of opponent.
Boston counters with Sean Newcomb, a 31-year-old left-hander with a career 4.48 ERA. Despite managing a respectable ERA so far this season, Newcomb has allowed baserunners at an alarming rate, posting a 1.90 WHIP across his first four starts. His effectiveness has been supported by the fact he hasn't surrendered a home run in 17.1 innings – a streak that could be in jeopardy against Seattle's power-hitting lineup.
The venue itself plays a significant role in tonight's outlook. Fenway Park ranks as the second-most favorable environment for run production in the majors according to Statcast data, further supporting expectations for a high-scoring affair.
As these offensive-minded teams clash under the lights at Fenway, fans should prepare for a potential slugfest with both lineups poised to capitalize on vulnerable pitching matchups.
