Jordan Montgomery To Start The Opener As New York Takes On Boston At Fenway

Here we go again as New York starts a three-game series with American League East rival Boston as New York travels to Fenway Park. 

For the second consecutive weekend, baseball's most storied rivalry will be on display. This time, the venue is Fenway Park, where the second-place Yankees will try to chip into the Red Sox's four-game lead in the American League East. "according to tohttp://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836 

"You just need to win, that's the bottom line," Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said. "All the games are important right now, especially against teams in your division. It's important we continue to play good baseball. We have for most of this week against the Mets and hopefully, that carries over this weekend into Fenway." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

Boston took back sole possession of first from New York on Aug. 1 and will try to stave off its rivals for the rest of the stretch run. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

"Let's win," said Red Sox infielder Eduardo Nunez. "They have a really good team and they have good hitting and good pitching, but we do, too. We'll see how it goes." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

Fenway fans will be in for a treat if this weekend's series matches the excitement level of the showdown in the Bronx last weekend. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

The Yankees rallied back from a 3-0 deficit in the eighth inning to win the Friday night opener. The Red Sox were down against Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning of the Sunday finale when Rafael Devers stunned everyone by belting a 102.8-mph heater over the wall in left-center to tie the game. Boston won the game in 10 innings and took two out of three in the series. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

Nunez, who started his career with the Yankees and is now sparking the Red Sox, is happy to be back in the rivalry. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

"That was fun last weekend," said Nunez. "It's great baseball. I was in San Francisco on the other side of the country earlier this year, and now I'm here and just trying to enjoy this." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

Drew Pomeranz, one of the most underrated players on this year's Red Sox squad, gets the ball for Friday night's opener. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

"It's always a huge rivalry," said Pomeranz. "It gives you a little more adrenaline. I think I was throwing a little harder last [Saturday]. Just pure adrenaline that first inning. It's fun for us. The crowds come out for the games and they're wild and we want to beat those guys, especially being in a tight race." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

The Yankees counter with lefty Jordan Montgomery, who held his own in the matchup with Red Sox ace Chris Sale in last weekend's series finale, giving up one run in 5 1/3 innings. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

"I felt good," said Montgomery. "My fastball command has been getting better and better. My curveball was a little iffy at times, but I threw it well enough to keep them off balance. Slider back door was good. I'm still trying to find my changeup, but it will be there eventually." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

The Yankees are 7-5 against the Red Sox this season. After this weekend's three-game series, the clubs have one more series this season, a four-game set at Yankee Stadium from Aug. 31-Sept. 3. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

"If we win series, you're winning games. That's the bottom line," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "But you need to continue to win and give yourself a chance with the team that we're chasing." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

When batters have put Pomeranz's curveball in play this season, they have put it on the ground 63.8 percent of the time. That's the fourth-highest rate out of more than 40 pitchers who have generated at least 50 batted balls on curves in 2017. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

 While Chapman has struggled against Boston this season (two blown saves, 8.44 ERA), Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel has a 1.80 ERA and a .105 opponents' batting average in four appearances against New York. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

 By and large, the Red Sox have done a nice job against Aaron Judge this season, holding him to a .174 average and one home run in 12 games. However, Gary Sanchez has four homers and a 1.007 OPS in his 43 plate appearances against Boston. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/248914838/yanks-sox-rivalry-battle-for-1st-shift-to-fenway/?topicId=26688836

As for New York's last game, they beat the Mets 7-5. 

Luis Severino's big night in the finale just wasn't on the mound but also at the plate as he got his first major league hit. 

Luis Severino was in terrific form in the Yankees' 7-5 win against the Mets on Thursday night. He shut them out over the first six innings as the Yankees ran the score up to 7-0 by the end of the fourth. "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

The Yankees broadcast team noted that Severino had told his fellow pitchers before the game that he would get a hit so that only added to their amusement. "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

Severino returned the favor with finger guns of his own. "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

Camaraderie aside, Severino had to face the task of running the bases, which can sometimes be an adventure for pitchers. (Just ask John Lackey.) "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

The next batter, Brett Gardner, cracked a double down the left-field line, scoring a pair of runs and sending Severino from first to third. It was a bit of an effort for the pitcher, and he let his teammates know: "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

Next time, Severino should just save himself a breath and hit a homer. Imagine what the dugout would do then! "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

A surprising contributor to the Yankees' offense was Severino himself. He entered the game hitless in four career at-bats, but he caught a break in the top of the fourth. "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

With Tyler Austin and Ronald Torreyes on base and no one out, Severino was asked to move the runners over. He got the job done and more -- as his bunt evaded the diving attempt of first baseman Dominic Smith. Severino beat the throw, giving him his first Major League hit. The dugout went wild: "according to http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2017/08/17/249109746/luis-severinos-first-career-hit-sends-yankees-dugout-into-frenzy

As for his outing on the mound Luis Severino bounced back from the worst start of his career while Gary Sanchez flexed his muscle by driving in five runs, helping the Yankees complete a four-game sweep of this year's Subway Series with a 7-5 victory over the Mets on Thursday evening at Citi Field. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

One outing after being rocked for a career-high 10 runs (eight earned) by the Red Sox, Severino recaptured the form that has elevated him into the Yanks' ace this season, holding the Mets to an unearned run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings to pick up his fifth victory in six starts. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"I was ahead in the count almost all the time," said Severino, who is 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break. "I tried to do that. I think the last time, I tried to pitch around the batters. This time, I just went after them." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

Sanchez hit a three-run homer in the first inning off Steven Matz and added a two-run single in the fourth off Chasen Bradford as the Yankees closed within four games of the idle Red Sox in the American League East chase. The Bombers are scheduled to open a key three-game series in Boston on Friday. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

New York also holds a 3 1/2-game lead over the Angels for the first Wild Card spot in the AL and is four games up on the next contender, Kansas City, which leads a whopping seven teams within three games of a playoff berth. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"These are really important games for us because the clock is ticking," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "The most important thing is getting the wins, especially this time of year." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

Matz tied a career high with seven runs (six earned) allowed, lasting just 3 1/3 innings and losing his sixth straight decision. Curtis Granderson hit a ninth-inning grand slam of Bryan Mitchell, but Dellin Betances recorded the final three outs for his eighth save. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

This marks the second time that the Yankees have swept a season Subway Series, having also done so with six victories in 2003. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"At this point in the season, it's all about winning games," Brett Gardner said. "Obviously, when we play the Mets, it's exciting for us as players to experience the Subway Series. It's fun to come over and play here at Citi Field, and I'm happy we played well." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

The Mets fell a season-high 13 games under .500 for the first time since the final day of the 2013 season, when they were 14 under at 74-88. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"It's frustrating, especially against the Yankees," Mets outfielder Michael Conforto said. "Obviously, we want to beat our rivals and not get swept by them. In our park, it's tough to lose a couple here. But it's over with. All we can do is look forward to tomorrow."

Sanchez had already seen Matz's curveball, sinker, and fastball when the left-hander decided to throw an 83.4-mph changeup on the eighth pitch of their first-inning battle, and Sanchez crushed it a projected 385 feet, according to Statcast™, over the wall in left field. Sanchez has collected six homers and 13 RBIs this month, with five of those homers coming in his last nine games. He tallied 11 homers and 21 RBIs in 24 games last August. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"I didn't think it was going out," Sanchez said through an interpreter. "I hit it right on the barrel but I was a little off-balance, so I didn't think it was going to go out." according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

None of Severino's achievements on the mound have seemed to generate as much genuine enthusiasm as his first big league hit, a bunt popup in the fourth inning that eluded first baseman, Dominic Smith. Severino raised his hands in the air after his soft knock, which loaded the bases with none out to set up Gardner's two-run double and Sanchez's two-run single. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"A hit is a hit. I'll take it," Severino said, with a laugh. "It was not the hit that I wanted. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

"He was throwing high velocity and he was around the zone. He was throwing literally anything at any time." -- Granderson, on Severino " according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

Granderson now has 95 home runs with the Mets and 115 with the Yankees. He is the only player to hit at least 60 with each team and is one of three players to appear in 500 or more games for multiple New York teams. Willie Keeler (Yankees, Dodgers) and Bill Dahlen (Dodgers, Giants) are the others, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/249118508/yankees-sweep-mets-in-subway-series/

With the win  Yankees improved to 65-55 and are now four games back of American League East leader Boston. Meanwhile, the Mets fall to 53-66 and are now nineteen games back of National League East Leader Washington who has a record of 72-47.

As for Boston's last game, they beat the Saint Louis Cardinals in walk-off fashion. 

 In what is shaping up as an August to remember for the red-hot Red Sox, Mookie Betts belted a two-out, two-strike, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to cap a wild 5-4 win that stunned the Cardinals on Wednesday night at Fenway Park. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

The low liner off the Green Monster was the capper of a three-run surge, giving the Red Sox their ninth walk-off win of the season, and fourth in their last nine home victories. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

While maintaining a 4 1/2 game lead over the Yankees in the American League East, Boston has ripped off 12 victories in the last 14 games since July 31. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"I think we're just playing the game, playing hard and playing nine innings and not giving up no matter what the score is," said Betts. "I think we're just, like I said, learning our identity and grinding." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

For the Cardinals, what seemed like a sure win came to a grinding halt, and the loss dropped them 2 1/2 games behind the Cubs in the National League Central. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"There was a lot of frustration at the end," said Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, referencing not only the outcome but also the club's multiple disagreements with home-plate umpire Chris Segal. The final one ended with Matheny being ejected. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

With Boston trailing 4-2 heading into the final frame, Xander Boagarts made it a one-run game by leading off the inning with a homer against Trevor Rosenthal, who was pitching with significantly diminished velocity and was pulled by Matheny after the next batter (Mitch Moreland) drew a six-pitch walk. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Lefty Zach Duke was lifted after a one-out walk to Jackie Bradley Junior  Matheny then went to rookie righty John Brebbia but the Sharon, Mass., native couldn't get the job done while vying for his first career save. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"Felt good about Brebbia. Felt good about Duke," Matheny said. "[Brebbia] made some really good pitches there in a very, very tough situation. I think he continues to go up in our view of how we can use him." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

With two outs, Betts got enough of a 3-2 slider to find a piece of wall. Pinch-runner Chris Young scored from second to tie it and Bradley roared all the way around from first to make it to the plate, where catcher Yadier Molina couldn't hold on to the relay throw. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"As I'm watching it unfold, it was a good throw there and I thought they had him there, but they didn't catch it, so we were fortunate enough to win the game," said Betts. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

It was a thrilling turn of events for the Red Sox, who celebrated the 50-year anniversary of their" Impossible Dream before the game and pulled out a victory that was reminiscent of that '67 season. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Obviously an exciting finish," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "Bogey gets us started with the solo home run, and it's good to see him start to drive the ball a little more frequently. This team is so resilient." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

St. Louis came up with four runs against Eduardo Rodriguez in the top of the second inning.Kolten Wong  (RBI single), Luke Voit (RBI double) and Matt Carpenter (RBI single) delivered the key knocks. But the Cardinals didn't score for the rest of the night. That proved to be costly. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Cards starter Lance Lynn scattered seven hits and allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings and was in position to get the win. But he wound up with a no-decision. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Bradley had a couple of unique chances to throw out a runner at the plate during the four-run second, and he was successful on the second try. With Voit on third and one out, Carpenter stung a liner that fell just in front of Bradley. Voit got a late start because he was waiting to see if it got caught. Bradley fired home with a 95.5-mph throw that traveled 230 feet, according to Statcast but catcher Christian Vasquez couldn't hang on to the throw, and Carpenter advanced to third.Tommy Pham came up next, and his liner to center was eerily similar to the one by Carpenter. Again, Bradley fielded it on a hop. Carpenter, who had to stay close to third in case it was caught, was thrown out at the plate by Bradley on a 95.8-mph throw that went 254 feet. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"Line drive, I actually started trying to take a sharper angle to it, but then it started coming towards me, so I had to readjust, and knowing I was going to catch it in the air, I just tried to get in front of it and make sure I'd keep it in front to body it up," said Bradley. "It hopped right in my glove. I saw he was maybe one or two steps from third base. I felt like I was shallow enough to try to make a play at home." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Carpenter said his read and reaction were complicated by the fact that he was running on contact. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"When you're on contract, you have to make at least three hard steps home," Carpenter said. "When the ball is hit as hard as it was, take those three hard steps and then try to get back and tag in case he catches it, and then when he doesn't catch it, you're just in no-man's land. Looking back on it, I wasn't going to score either way. The only other option would be to stay there and not go and hope that the next guy drives me in. So I took a gamble that the guy wouldn't make a good throw, and he made a good throw." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Bradley had a feeling Betts might hit the Green Monster in the bottom of the ninth, so he made his pitch to third-base coach Brian Butterfield. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"I was telling Butter before the play, 'Anything off that wall, send me.' It kind of helped that we got to the 3-2 count so I would get a running start," said Bradley. "It hit off the wall and I was just trying to keep telling myself, 'Get the truck off my back.'" "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Bradley motored home at 28.6 feet per second, according to Statcast™, up a tick from his max-average effort of 27.3 feet per second. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"I get kind of spoiled. I see it all the time. It's just amazing when you sit back and just kind of watch what he does. It's like art. He's the best in the league in my eyes, for sure." -- Betts, on watching Bradley play defense "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

"Every umpire has a different zone, even though that's what's not supposed to happen. You try to do everything you can and just figure it out. I was able to get through six and give our team a chance to win." -- Lynn, on grinding through his 110-pitch effort on a night when he felt the strike zone was tight "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

The Red Sox are 14-1 in their last 15 Interleague home games and are 30-10 in their last 40 games against the NL Central. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170816248920520/mookie-betts-red-sox-walk-off-over-cardinals/?game_pk=491901

Left-hander Jordan Montgomery will start the opener. He has a record of 7-6 with a 3.94 earn run average. Montgomery will make his second start against the Redsox after holding them to a run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings on Sunday. Montgomery walked three and struck out four in an 84- pitch effort. He will take on Boston left-hander Drew Pomeranz who has a record of 12-4 with a 3.39 earn run average. The left-hander was effective on August 12th, giving up seven hits on three runs over 6/2/3 innings. Pomeranz has given up three earned  runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/yankees-vs-red-sox/2017/08/18/491921#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491921

Will Jordan Montgomery do as well in this outing as he did in his last outing against Boston? Will Boston be able to get their offense going against the left-hander ? Will New York be able to get their offense going against Drew Pomeranez? 

First-pitch is set for 7:10 pm. The game will be televised on Yes,  Major League Baseball Network and NESN. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/yankees-vs-red-sox/2017/08/18/491921#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491921