- Why is this game called the 'rubber match'?
- A rubber match is the deciding game of a three-game series when the first two games are split. It determines which team wins the series outright.
- How have the Red Sox performed at home this season?
- Boston is 17-23 at Fenway Park in 2024, with a 3.92 home ERA that ranks 19th in MLB. Their offense has averaged 4.5 runs per game at home, tied for 18th.
- What’s Colorado’s road record this year?
- The Rockies are 11-30 on the road, the worst mark in baseball. Their .268 road OPS ranks last in MLB, and they’ve been outscored by 104 runs away from Coors Field.
- Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
- For Boston, keep an eye on Rafael Devers (15 HR, .890 OPS) and Kenley Jansen (12 saves, 3.55 ERA). Colorado’s Randal Grichuk (.275 BA, 10 HR) and Nolan Jones (.285 BA, 12 HR) have been their most consistent bats.
- What’s at stake for both teams beyond this series?
- A win could quiet trade-deadline chatter for both clubs, while a loss may accelerate front-office decisions. For Boston, it’s about salvaging a lost season; for Colorado, it’s avoiding a franchise-worst road stretch.
- How do Fenway’s dimensions impact this matchup?
- Fenway’s short porch in left field (310 feet) favors right-handed power hitters, which could benefit Colorado’s Nolan Jones and Boston’s Rafael Devers. The Green Monster also suppresses home runs to left, making contact hitting more valuable for both teams.
