Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Boston Red Sox
The Team: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are beginning to find their groove and only sit four games out of first place in the AL East. They are currently looking up at their rival New York Yankees, and are trying to build on their 5-5 record in their last ten. It seems as though the Phillies are the right team to get right against, so I would not bet against it.
The Boston offense has been pretty strong this season. Their 296 runs (4.8) per game is 12th in baseball and 5th in the strong American League. A .266 batting average is sixth best in the game and they rank 11th best in OPS (.749).
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Even scarier, the Red Sox strike out less than any other team in baseball and they grind out at-bats with 224 walks. The numbers are a nightmare matchup for a terribly inconsistent pitching staff.
The Red Sox are one of eight teams with a team ERA below 4.00 (3.99). They are also the only team in baseball with a staff that has allowed less than 170 walks. They have also struck out 590 opposing batters, which ranks them fourth (second in the American League).
Teams are hitting them a bit though (.256/.308/.424). The on-base percentage is to be expected with the limited number of walks. They have, however, allowed 78 homers, which places them in the top ten of baseball.
Defensively, they are extremely weak. Boston has committed 45 errors in 62 games. The number has given them a .980 fielding percentage and sitting in the basement of defensive rankings.
Still, there is no doubt that the next four days are going to be a struggle for the Phils.