Yanks Head to Boston

The Bombers seemed to be spiraling toward disaster the last time they had Boston in their sights five weeks ago. The Red Sox swept a two-game series in the Bronx, improving to 5-0 against the Yankees in 2009. The sweep occurred in the middle of a five-game losing streak for the Yankees. During that stretch, they went 2-7 to fall a season-high 6 ½ games out of first place.

But A-Rod’s return and a long homestand shortly after started the turnaround for New York. Now, the Yankees will enter the opener of a three-game series in Boston tonight atop the AL East. The Yankees own the best record in the AL at 34-23 and lead Boston by one game.

The revival has been fueled by good health, good pitching and Rodriguez’ return, which has made a significant impact on the lineup, lengthening the order and providing Mark Teixeria with some needed protection.

Pitching has been key for New York in its surge to the top of the standings. Tonight, the Bombers hand the ball to AJ Burnett. The Yankees signed the hard-throwing righty largely because of his success against the Red Sox. With the rain delay Friday, New York got the opportunity to push Burnett’s start back for tonight’s series opener in Boston. He is 5-0 with a 3.52 ERA lifetime against the Red Sox.

Burnett did not fare well in his last start in Boston. It was his worst ever against the Sox. He allowed eight runs over five innings. Burnett is coming off one of his starts of the season – seven innings, three runs and eight strikeouts against Texas. He comes in pitching on two extra days of rest.

The Red Sox will turn to Josh Becket, who is coming off one of the finest performances of his career in his last start, pitching a no-hitter for 6 2/3 innings. Over 7 1/3 innings, he allowed two hits and no earned runs, striking out nine. Beckett is on a roll, turning in a quality start in his last six outings. Beckett has pitched twice against the Yankees this season, going 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA.

This series will be a good indicator of how strong a contender the Yankees are. They need to take at two games in Boston. The Red Sox are banged up and the Yankees have a challenging week ahead with the Mets on tap for the weekend.