That means Boston (42-41) could be back below .500 by the All-Star break, or the Sox can take a considerable bite out of the division-leading Yankees (50-32).
With the latter goal in mind, Franklin Morales heads to the mound for the Red Sox in the Saturday afternoon game. He's been sharp for the Red Sox ever since taking a starting role, pitching five, six and seven innings with just four earned runs overall. His last start, a seven-inning, three-hit, no-run beauty against the Seattle Mariners, was only marred by a complete-game shutout by Felix Hernandez on the other side.
But Boston can't just lean on its pitching in this one, as New York will come ready to hit.
The Yankees' bats have been ferocious all season, but the Red Sox got into the act on Friday night, too. The 14 hits by the Red Sox didn't yield the win, but Boston will have another excellent chance to get the offense going Saturday with Freddy Garcia (2-2, 5.94 ERA) on the mound. Garcia began the year as a starter for the Yankees, but he spent much of the season banished to bullpen mop-up duty until CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte went down with injuries. If the Sox can get to him early, they'll have a good chance in Saturday afternoon's game.
Daniel Nava will take his customary leadoff spot for the Red Sox, and David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez will form the 3-4 combo, with Gonzalez in the cleanup spot. Pedro Ciriaco is at second, as Dustin Pedroia is on the disabled list, and Mauro Gomez will fill in at third for Will Middlebrooks, who is still dealing with hamstring pain. Kelly Shoppach will take care of catching duties.
Here are the lineups for Saturday's game:
Red Sox (42-41)
Daniel Nava LF
Pedro Ciriaco 2B
David Ortiz DH
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Mauro Gomez 3B
Ryan Kalish CF
Mike Aviles SS
Kelly Shoppach C
Brent Lillibridge RF
Franklin Morales P
Yankees (50-32)
Derek Jeter DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Andruw Jones LF
Jayson Nix SS
Darnell McDonald CF
Chris Stewart C
Freddy Garcia P
