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Red Sox, Yankees begin key 3-game series

Aug 30, 2011 - 2:47 PM (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox try to widen their lead atop the American League East standings this evening when they start a key three-game series against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.

Boston enters this set with a 1 1/2-game lead on New York in the standings. The Red Sox are in that position primarily because of how well they have fared against the Yankees, as they are 10-2 against their hated rivals this season.

"When we play them, we're 0-0," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "You can't look too much into that. We've got to play the best game we can possibly play. It's a division rival."

If they are to move even further in front, though, the Red Sox will have to get past CC Sabathia, a task that hasn't been all that hard for them lately. Sabathia has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, but that hasn't been the case when facing the Red Sox, as he is 0-4 in four starts against them with a 7.20 ERA.

Against the rest of the league he is 17-3 with a 2.40 ERA.

Sabathia, who is 1-2 in his last four starts, did not get a decision on Wednesday against Oakland, despite a solid outing that saw him surrender three runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings of a 6-4 loss.

"You have to make pitches," Sabathia said. "I didn't, and it cost me."

Sabathia should be facing a well-rested Red Sox squad that thanks to Hurricane Irene hasn't played since sweeping a day/night doubleheader from the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.

The Red Sox pulled out a 9-3 win in game one before shutting the A's out, 4-0, in the second game.

"Well I mean, we'll use it to our advantage. That's what we always try to do," manager Terry Francona said of his team's mini-break. "We were really fortunate the way it worked out. We won, we used every pitcher once but [Franklin] Morales, and he threw a little bullpen and he had been used a lot. Now we can let the guys regroup, because they're going to need to. This has been a long haul here."

Getting the call for the Red Sox this evening will be right-hander John Lackey, who has won seven of his last eight decisions. Lackey hasn't pitched since last Tuesday when he beat the Texas Rangers, holding them to four runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"This place is pretty tough, for a lot of reasons," said Lackey, who is 12-9 with a 5.98 ERA. "The ballpark, they've always had a good lineup here. But with the offense we're bringing in with us, you feel a little more confident than I have a few times in the past."

Lackey beat the Yankees the last time he faced them and is 8-8 lifetime against them with a 4.67 ERA in 21 starts.

The Yankees gained a half-game on idle Boston on Monday, as Freddy Garcia returned from the disabled list and pitched six strong innings, and Nick Swisher clubbed a two-run homer, helping New York get past Baltimore, 3-2 in the finale of a four-game series.

Garcia (11-7), who hadn't pitched since August 7 due to a lacerated right index finger, allowed just two hits, including a solo homer to Mark Reynolds, and had four strikeouts. Garcia won his fourth straight decision.

"First-pitch strikes are very important for me," Garcia said. "I made my pitch when I needed. I got those guys in 0-2, 1-2 (counts). I executed my pitch."

Mariano Rivera retired the side in order in the ninth for his 34th save of the year.

The Yankees won despite playing without shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez was sent back to New York on Monday for an MRI on his jammed left thumb, while Jeter sat out due to a bruised right knee.

Both players are questionable for tonight's affair.