J.A. Happ Opens Final Series Of The Regular Season As New York Visits Boston

Starting Friday New York and Boston who are both members of the American League East will play their final regular season series against one another as New York visits Fenway Park.

New York comes into the opener of the four game series with a record of 98-61 while Boston comes into the opener with a record of 107-52. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/standings

J.A. Happ will start for New York. The left-hander comes into the game with a record of 16-6 with a 3.57 earn run average. “according to http://m.mlb.com/player/457918/ja-happ Happ will make his final start of the regular season -- and potentially tune up for a starting assignment in the AL Wild Card Game -- on Friday. Happ is coming off a no-decision against the Orioles and is 6-0 with a 2.34 ERA in 10 starts as a Yankee. “according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy He will oppose Boston left-hander Brian Johnson who comes into the opener with a record of 4-4 with a 4.11 earn run average. “according to http://m.mlb.com/player/598271/brian-johnson The lefty swingman is 4-2 with a 4.06 ERA as a starter this season. Johnson was last used as a starter on Sept. 2, so his pitch count figures to be limited. He is 2-1 with a 4.37 ERA in 22 appearances at home. “according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy

As for New York’s previous game, They blew out Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field in the finale on Thursday.

The Yankees flexed their muscles and displayed their backbone on Thursday afternoon, moving closer to the all-time single-season record for home runs before CC Sabathia was ejected for appearing to intentionally throw at a batter in the sixth inning of a memorable 12-1 rout of the Rays at Tropicana Field. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Miguel Andujar and Luke Voit went deep before Giancarlo Stanton homered twice, pacing the Yanks' offensive attack and swelling the team's tally to 260 home runs with three games remaining. The 1997 Mariners hold the record with 264; the 2005 Rangers are tied for second with the Yanks at 260. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"We'd rather get home-field advantage first. That's just icing on the cake," Stanton said. "It'd definitely be cool to get, but not the main goal right now." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

With the victory, the Yankees' magic number to secure home-field advantage in the Oct. 3 American League Wild Card Game was reduced to one. New York can secure those honors on Friday with either a victory over the Red Sox or an Athletics loss to the Angels. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"Obviously, a big series coming up this weekend against Boston. Get everybody locked in and ready," Brett Gardner said. "These next few days, next few weeks, next five weeks, hopefully, can be a pretty crazy ride and take a lot out of you. It's important that we're prepared. I thought today we looked pretty good." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Making his final start of the regular season, Sabathia held Tampa Bay hitless until Joey Wendle singled with two outs in the fourth inning. The fireworks started in the fifth when Sabathia hit Jake Bauers with a pitch, prompting Andrew Kittredge to buzz Austin Romine up and in with a pitch in the sixth. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"I think we all took exception to that," Sabathia said. "I think any time your player's safety is in jeopardy, I think all guys take exception to that. We all did." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Though both benches had been warned by home-plate umpire Vic Carapazza and Sabathia was just two innings shy of cashing a $500,000 contractual bonus, the veteran left-hander retaliated by plunking Jesus Sucre in the bottom half and was immediately ejected, along with manager Aaron Boone. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Sabathia left no doubt about his disgust, barking at the Tampa Bay dugout as he exited, and Boone backed his hurler in his postgame remarks.”according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"I think there was no question there was intent [on Kittredge's part]," Boone said. "You've had some guys hit this series, and then you throw one over the head. I think, just kick rocks. I hated it. If you're going to play that game and you start messing around with people's heads, we're going to take exception to that." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Sabathia had thrown just 55 pitches over five-plus innings of scoreless, one-hit ball, giving way to three innings of one-run ball from Luis Cessa. Rookie Jonathan Loaisiga finished up as Sabathia logged career win No. 246, breaking a tie with Dennis Martinez and moving into 50th place on the all-time list. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"I felt good," Sabathia said. "The cutter was really good today. Ro called a good game. We had a good game plan. My pitches were moving and working, so I was able to get some easy outs and some swings early in the count." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Padding his candidacy for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, Andujar hit a three-run homer in the first inning off Jaime Schultz, with his 27th blast giving New York a quick 4-0 lead. Voit and Stanton slugged back-to-back solo shots in the sixth off Kittredge, swelling the advantage to 11-0 at the time. Voit has hit 12 homers since joining the Yankees.”according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

Stanton hit his 37th homer in the ninth inning off Hoby Milner, marking the 32nd multi-homer game of his career. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

"We know what's at stake," Stanton said. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

SOUND SMART
Stanton has four multi-homer games since joining the Yankees -- March 29 in Toronto against the Blue Jays, May 2 in Houston against the Astros and May 8 at Yankee Stadium against Boston. His 37 homers are the seventh-most by a player in his first season with the Yankees, and the most since Mark Teixeira hit 39 in 2009. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS
Yankees shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria earned a place on the highlight reel by making a terrific leaping stab in the eighth inning, taking a hit away from Carlos Gomez. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

HE SAID IT
"He's the best. You can probably ask guys that played with him in Cleveland 25 years ago. He was probably thought of the same way then. He has a way of just making everyone feel at home and welcome here in the clubhouse, and getting the most out of his teammates. Every time he takes the mound, we know we're getting the most out of him. It's been a lot of fun to play with him." -- Gardner, on Sabathia “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yanks-rout-rays-giancarlo-stanton-hits-2-hrs/c-296282612

As for Boston’s previous games they played a doubleheader on Wednesday and split with Baltimore.

As for game one,

While the Red Sox continue to set a high-water mark in the wins department, their players continue to do the same with individual numbers down the stretch.

There were numerous standout performances in the first half of Boston's day-night doubleheader versus Baltimore, with Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts adding additional stamps to the season in Wednesday afternoon's 19-3 win, its franchise-best 107th victory, at Fenway Park.”according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

We put up some good at-bats," said manager Alex Cora. "Obviously, I just start looking at individual accomplishments -- Xander with 100 RBIs, 30-30 [Betts], 20 homers [Rafael Devers], 40 doubles [Andrew Benintendi], it's good for them. To put good at-bats after good at-bats after good at-bats, that's a good sign." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

After sending all nine batters to the plate in a five-run first inning, Betts led off the second with a walk. On an 0-2 pitch to Benintendi, Betts broke for second base. Arriving just ahead of the tag, the Red Sox's center fielder recorded his 30th stolen base of the season, a career high that also put him in exclusive company, as he became the 40th player in MLB history to collect 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

Betts joined Cleveland's Jose Ramirez as the second player to do so this season, and Jacoby Ellsbury (2011) as the second Red Sox player to accomplish the feat. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

In the fourth inning, Martinez took a 2-0 offering from John Means and launched it over the Green Monster Seats in left field, onto Landsdowne Street. It was the 42nd long ball this season for Boston's designated hitter, tying him with Dick Stuart (1963) for most home runs by a player in their first season with the Red Sox. Martinez's blast traveled 404 feet with an exit velocity of 105.9 mph, according to Statcast™.”according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

"They've been doing everything, Mookie with 30-30, J.D. just swatting balls out," said Bogaerts. "We're having an amazing time this year. This is the best team I've been a part of, talent-wise and the coaching staff. It's just been amazing." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

Bogaerts got into the long-ball fray in the sixth, directing his 22nd home run of the season, a two-run blast, 409 feet to dead center. The Red Sox's shortstop, who drove in two with a double in the first inning, collected his career-best 100th RBI of the year on the homer. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

"It's probably one of the best accomplishments I've had so far," said Bogaerts. "Especially to do it in that way and on a win, I think it's even much better." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

"Bogey kind of flies under the radar, with Mookie and J.D. stealing all the headlines," said Red Sox starter David Price. "For Bogey to drive in 100 runs -- and that's hitting after J.D., who has driven in almost 130 runs, which means J.D. isn't leaving a whole lot of guys on base for Bogey to drive in. So that means Bogey has come up with a lot of big hits with runners on base. He's swung the bat extremely well with the bases loaded this year, and that's always big." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

Boston's 22 hits included doubles from nine players and five home runs -- two from Rafael Devers, who drove in six. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

Price allowed three runs on six hits and three walks over five innings to pick up his 16th win of the season. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

SOUND SMART
The Red Sox's 14 extra-base hits are the most in a single game by any team this season and the most by a Boston lineup since it put up 17 against the St. Louis Browns on June 8, 1950. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

HE SAID IT
"Man, he does not leave anything for no one. He just racks up all the RBIs by a home run. The home run he hit he just brought everyone home, and now I've got to hit with no one on and try to go [for a] two-run homer. It's just not going to happen." -- Bogaerts, on hitting behind Martinez “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-topple-orioles-with-big-milestones/c-296099292

As for game two, Boston lost the night cap.

Although there will be many questions for any team heading to the postseason, the most important ones for the Red Sox and their fans continue to involve Chris Sale, who had a mixed bag of results in Boston's 10-3 loss to Baltimore on Wednesday night at Fenway Park. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

Making his final start of the regular season in the second game of a day-night doubleheader, the Red Sox southpaw was working with a fastball below his normal velocity, flashing pitch speeds in the low 90s as opposed to mid- or upper 90s. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

Manager Alex Cora said that the plan for Sale was to work six innings or 100 pitches as he continues to round into form following a bout of inflammation in his left shoulder that sidelined him for much of August. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

"Not great, we saw that," Cora said of Sale's outing. "Velocity wasn't great. The slider, the two [players] that he hit, but then after that he had a few swings and misses. The changeup was OK." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

Sale would last just 4 2/3 innings on the night, allowing three runs while scattering four hits and allowing a walk on 92 pitches, 58 for strikes, as the Red Sox dropped a start of his for the first time since June 19. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

The left-hander did strike out eight in his longest outing since returning on Sept. 11, the most he has fanned since an Aug. 12 start in which he struck out 12 Baltimore batters over five innings. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

After allowing two runs in the first, Sale never pitched with a lead and departed with his team trailing, 3-2, in the fifth inning. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

Following his departure, he went looking for answers of his own. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

"As soon as I took him out, he came up here in the video room," said Cora. "It seems like there is something mechanically going on. He's not firing his hips like he normally does. We don't have too much time, so he'll work on it this weekend." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

"I saw some things last week and even tonight, just not really driving off my lower half to really create that torque I have in the past," said Sale. "We've got extended time now to kind of figure out what we need to do, and we'll go from there." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

Blake Swihart's RBI single in the fifth pulled Boston even and cleared Sale from a decision, but Baltimore got to reliever Matt Barnes in the seventh, posting three runs on the strength of three straight singles, building their lead to 6-3. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

The Orioles would tack on four runs in the top of the ninth after closer Craig Kimbrel allowed four runs without giving up a hit. Baltimore drew three walks and a hit-by-pitch off Kimbrel, then tagged Robby Scott for two hits to increase their lead. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

"Actually, the only good thing he did today was throw a good changeup the first pitch of the night," said Cora of Kimbrel. "But after that, command wasn't great, and he was fighting himself. Just one of those [nights]." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

The Boston bats were also dormant down the stretch, as the last 14 batters were retired, nine by Baltimore reliever Paul Fry. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

SOUND SMART
After splitting the doubleheader, the Red Sox finished with a 16-3 mark against the Orioles on the season, the most wins by any team against another this season. It was also the second time since the Divisional Era (since 1969) that Boston won 16 games against the Orioles, having gone 16-2 vs. their American League East rival in 2009. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

YOU GOTTA SEE THIS
In the top of the eighth inning, Jackie Bradley Jr. pulled off yet another highlight-reel catch on Caleb Joseph's short fly ball to center field. Bradley got a great read off the bat and, according to Statcast™, sprinted 63 feet in 3.7 seconds, laying out at the last possible moment to come up with a five-star catch. It was his third such rated grab on the season on a ball hit with a 13 percent catch probability. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

HE SAID IT
"Good. The same way I felt yesterday and the last few days. I know where we're at physically. We didn't throw the ball well today in the second game, but we're in a good spot." -- Cora, on how he feels about his pitching staff “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

MITEL REPLAY OF THE DAY
In the top of the fourth inning, Baltimore challenged an out call at second base on a 5-4 fielder's choice forceout of Adam Jones. After a review of one minute and 44 seconds, it was determined that second baseman Brandon Phillips was not on the base to make the force, and the call was overturned. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/red-sox-drop-doubleheader-nightcap-to-orioles/c-296107030

First pitch is set for 7:10pm. The game will be televised on ESPN, Yes “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/schedule/2018-09 and NESN. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/schedule/2018-0