Fight for First in AL East

They’re the only two profitable teams in the American League East, and they were tied for first place coming into the new week. The Baltimore Orioles (36-26, +9.68 betting units) and Boston Red Sox (36-26, +4.46 units) meet Wednesday night in the second of a three-game series at Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET on ESPN2.

Both teams will be at the back end of their starting rotations on Wednesday. Third-year northpaw Kevin Gausman (4.33 FIP) is scheduled to pitch for Baltimore, and looking to redeem himself after giving up five runs to the Red Sox (+106 away) in a 6-2 loss back on May 31. Boston responds with another third-year righty, knuckleballer Steven Wright (3.20 FIP), who’s in a serious groove this year. Wright pitched a complete game on May 30 to beat the Orioles 7-2 and cash in at +108.

As long as they’re getting good pitching, the Red Sox can win any game. They’re first in the majors in hitting at .839 OPS, dwarfing the very powerful O’s batting order at No. 4 overall (.785 OPS). Boston’s relief pitching has also performed better at 3.59 FIP to Baltimore’s 3.83 FIP.