Both teams are seven games behind the teams they need to track down in the loss column, Boston in the wild-card race and Oakland in the American League West.
In order for the Red Sox to be the ones feeling good when the weekend is through, here are three keys.
Cool off Coco
The Athletics' offense is rather lackluster, but the man at the top has been doing some damage of late.
Former Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp is 5-for-8 with two homers and eight RBIs in his last three games alone. All this after he hit .300 with three homers, 12 RBIs and nine stolen bases in August.
Run Defense
Speaking of Crisp, he has successfully stolen 16 bases in a row, the catalyst in an aggressive running game that helps offset Oakland's lack of power.
The A's enter Friday ranked third in the American League with 128 steals but first in stolen base percentage, swiping 81 percent successfully.
Oakland has 93 of its steals in its 69 wins, but just 35 thefts in 70 losses. It's safe to say that if you limit the running game, you can find success.
Young and Old
By blending a handful of September call-ups and minor league reinforcements with veterans such as Marco Scutaro, David Ortiz, Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre, the Red Sox' offensive attack has gained vitality.
In three games against Tampa Bay, the Sox scored 28 runs, the most they have produced in a series all season. The aforementioned quartet combined for seven home runs while the Pawtucket trio of Ryan Kalish, Josh Reddick and Lars Anderson hit a collective 9-for-23 (.391) with a homer and six RBIs.
Terry Francona has said that the young energy can provide a lift. He would be well served to maintain that potent mix.
