The Red Sox kicked off a brutal stretch in their midsummer schedule by downing the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 on Friday night. They’ll play 29 of their next 25 against opponents from the AL East — specifically the Rays, Blue Jays and Yankees. Their only respite will be three games against the lowly Chicago Cubs.
Right now, they’re in the midst of a battle with the suddenly division-leading Gaurdians, who have won seven of their last ten. They’d be in sole possession of first if not for last night’s loss, but for now they are tied with the Twins, despite having six games in hand.