Boston carries a six-game winning streak into Fenway after opening this series with a 14-2 demolition. The Red Sox are 61-51 and have won 15 of 18 since the break. Chicago remains 59-53 and leads the AL Central, despite Tuesday’s ugly loss. Both clubs saved their main relievers because long men covered the final innings. That leaves a clean Sean Burke-Sonny Gray matchup with both late-game units available. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Red Sox vs. White Sox prediction, preview
Burke brings a 3.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 140 strikeouts into his 125th inning. His 27.7% strikeout rate pairs with 36.1% hard contact, 7.8% barrels, and an 88.9 mph average exit velocity. He throws four-seamers 37.2%, then works curves, sliders, and sinkers across distinct planes. Boston faces fewer soft pockets because Burke has controlled both handedness groups and avoided a major third-time penalty. Chicago’s 3.89 bullpen ERA also gives him credible support.
Gray owns a 13-2 record, 2.93 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts. His seven-pitch mix distributes usage across sinkers, cutters, sweepers, four-seamers, and curveballs. That variety limits game-planning, yet his cutter and four-seamer have allowed the cleanest damage. Gray’s 38.5% hard-hit rate and 6.8% barrel rate broadly support his run prevention. Colson Montgomery leads Chicago with 25 homers, while Miguel Vargas owns 67 RBI and 74 runs. Chase Meidroth’s 109 hits deepen a lineup that created more traffic Tuesday than its two runs suggest.
Boston’s offense deserves weight beyond one blowout. Wilyer Abreu homered twice, Jarren Duran homered, and Caleb Durbin supplied a grand slam. Willson Contreras leads Boston with 23 homers and 69 RBI, while Ceddanne Rafaela owns 121 hits. Rafaela also entered Tuesday with seven homers across 12 games, giving the order another middle-inning threat. Burke still changes the matchup because his contact suppression prevents easy crooked innings. Boston may need several quality at-bats inside one frame instead of another immediate avalanche.
White Sox vs. Red Sox pick, best bet
Fenway should open near 82 degrees, with dry conditions and temperatures remaining around 80 through the early innings. The warmth helps carry, but neither starter allows enough barrels to create an automatic over. Boston owns the stronger late-game position with a 3.38 bullpen ERA and Aroldis Chapman’s 1.67 mark. Chicago counters with Grant Taylor and Sean Newcomb, although its committee carries greater walk and homer risk. Brenton Doyle also upgrades Chicago’s right-center defense, reducing Boston’s easiest gap-hitting route. Rested bullpens make the final three innings more important than Tuesday’s lopsided score.
The market correctly respects Burke, keeping Boston near -128 despite its current run. That price remains playable because Boston can win without scoring five runs. Gray’s depth, Fenway familiarity, and Boston’s bullpen create the stronger nine-inning path. Chicago owns enough left-handed power to threaten Gray’s cutter, which makes the under 8.5 less comfortable. The moneyline captures Boston’s broader advantages without demanding another offensive eruption.
Best bet: Red Sox moneyline -128, playable through -135.
Best bet: Red Sox (-128) vs. White Sox
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