Rematch? Red Sox Offense Looks To Stay Hot Vs. Difficult Opponent

The Red Sox offense is starting to hum. Over the last four games, they’ve scored an average of 9.5 runs per game. That’s their highest over a four-game span since early April, and that included an 18-run explosion against the St. Louis Cardinals.

They’ll have their hands full this evening when Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz takes the mound for the second time against the Red Sox this season.

In the first meeting between the two teams at Steinbrenner Field, Baz surrendered just one run. The righty allowed one hit and struck out 11 over six innings in a 16-1 Rays victory in April. The lone Red Sox run came via a Kristian Campbell solo home run.

The team as a whole is a combined 5-43 with 17 strikeouts and three walks against tonight’s starter.

The last time out against the Red Sox, Baz dominated in the strike zone. 14 of 20 hitters he faced went down 0-1. Once ahead in the count, he used his curveball and changeup to put hitters away. He generated a season-high 17 whiffs throughout the previous meeting.

While Baz has historically been successful against the Red Sox in his career, he’s had a rough go of it in recent weeks. Since the beginning of May, he has a 7.00 ERA. His changeup hasn’t missed as many bats as it did early in the season. He’s also been snakebitten by the home run ball, allowing 10 home runs in his last seven starts.

Right-handed hitters are slugging .503 against Baz this season. Ceddane Rafaela and Trevor Story have been swinging hot bats recently. Look for them to make an impact Monday against the Rays’ starter.

Wilyer Abreau was among the most successful against Baz historically, but he’s just been ushered to the injured list in a move that brings the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Roman Anthony, to the big leagues.