Angels vs Red Sox predictions
The Los Angeles Angels roll into Fenway looking to keep their recent grip on the Red Sox, and it’ll be pitchers like Yusei Kikuchi starting strong on the mound that could set the tone. I’m expecting Kikuchi to lean on his nasty off-speed stuff to keep Boston’s hitters off-balance, aiming for about five solid innings while racking up a handful of strikeouts. On offense, Taylor Ward—quietly one of the hottest sticks in the Angels’ lineup—should give the team a boost. I’d look for him to add another RBI or two to his tally, possibly even going deep if he gets a hanger. Nolan Schanuel brings consistency at the plate, so don’t be shocked if he tallies a couple of hits and finds his way on base multiple times, while the always-dangerous Mike Trout could easily spark a rally with some gap power and sharp baserunning.
On the other side, you know the Boston Red Sox are hungry to snap their home losing streak, and they’ll be banking on Brayan Bello to steer the ship from the mound. He’s shown flashes of brilliance this season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps the Angels to just a couple of runs and grabs some much-needed strikeouts. Offensively, Rafael Devers remains the heart of the lineup and looks primed to do some damage—think at least a couple of extra-base hits with a good shot at driving in runs. And don’t sleep on Jarren Duran and Romy Gonzalez; both have been finding their stride and look ready to contribute with multi-hit performances and some clutch wheels on the bases.
So, who walks away with the win tonight? With Kikuchi on the bump for Los Angeles and Boston’s offense itching for a breakout game at Fenway, this matchup is setting up to be tight. But if Bello keeps the Angels’ bats quiet and Devers gets the support he needs, I’ve got a good feeling the Boston Red Sox will finally put an end to that home skid. Fenway’s bound to get loud if they build some early momentum—and I wouldn't bet against the Sox riding that wave to grab a much-needed victory. What do you think: does Boston turn things around tonight, or do the Angels keep rolling?
