Boston Red Sox @ NY Yankees Thursday Baseball Preview

The Sox continue a tough schedule in July as they have a combined 13 games against the Yankees and first place Angels. Young Jon Lester has had a solid season with a 6-3 record and an ERA at 3.48 in 18 starts on the season. The Yanks closed the month with two losses getting solid pitching but only tallying 2 runs combined in each game. Hideki Matsui and his .323 batting average hit the DL with inflammation in his left knee. Center fielder Johnny Damon is in a slump with only 3 hits in his last 22 at bats and has been troubled by a sore foot. The Yankees sit behind the Jays by 7 games in the loss column through 83 games. Andy Pettitte has pitched well surrendering only 3 earned runs over his last 4 starts working 27 innings. Behind both starters play this one under 9 ½ runs.