Baltimore @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2018 ) Baltimore 3, Boston 19

The Boston Red Sox were given a little extra time to bask in the glory of a franchise-record 106th win. After a rainout at Fenway Park, the Red Sox will try to add to their gaudy victory total with a day-night doubleheader against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

The contest was called early on a very wet Tuesday in Boston, which came on the heels of the Red Sox winning the series opener 6-2 on Monday to establish the new team mark. Mookie Betts bolstered his MVP candidacy with a home run for the third straight game to lead the way for Boston, which has also clinched the best record in the majors and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. David Price puts an 8-2 home record on the line when he starts the matinee for the Red Sox followed by Chris Sale at night. At 45-111 and one defeat away from establishing a new franchise mark for losses, Baltimore will give rookie Ryan Meisinger his first career start in the opener and then play it by ear in the nightcap.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles TBD vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 2.00)

The Orioles will see what develops in the matinee before deciding on an opening pitcher for the nightcap. Right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis, who is 0-2 with a 6.34 ERA, was originally scheduled to start Tuesday's game prior to the postponement. Yefry Ramirez was a candidate to make a start in the series before being scratched due to a cut on his thumb.

Sale struck out seven and allowed two runs against the Indians his last time out and he's produced 7 1/3 innings total in three starts since returning from a shoulder issue. His only August start saw him fan 12 in just five scoreless innings at Baltimore. The 29-year-old has allowed three runs in 51 1/3 innings in his last 10 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Betts needs one stolen base to record the second 30/30 season in team history (Jacoby Ellsbury, 2011).

2. Orioles IF Tim Beckham is 4-for-12 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.

3. Boston has won 18 of the last 20 meetings.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Orioles 3