Overview
The Boston Red Sox take on the Baltimore Orioles in the final game of a four-game series on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1:05 PM EDT at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. The sports card confirms the game time and networks (MASN, NESN). The Red Sox won the series opener 4-3 on August 25, with Roman Anthony’s two-run single and Brennan Bernardino’s scoreless start, and the second game 5-0 on August 26, with Lucas Giolito’s six scoreless innings. The Red Sox also won 3-1 on August 27, led by Brayan Bello’s quality start. The 2025 season series is tied 5-5, with the Orioles winning 4-3 on August 19. This AL East matchup is critical for the Red Sox (74-60, 2nd in AL East) to secure a series win and bolster their wild card spot, and for the Orioles (60-73, 5th in AL East) to avoid a series loss at home. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Team Analysis
Boston Red Sox
- 2025 Record (as of August 27): 74-60, 2nd in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Red Sox are 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.8 runs/game with a .234 batting average, .316 OBP, and .427 SLG, and a 3.30 ERA. Jarren Duran’s .258 BA and Trevor Story’s 82 RBI lead the offense, but injuries to Richard Fitts (SP, biceps), Wilyer Abreu (OF, calf), Rob Refsnyder (OF, oblique), Luis Guerrero (RP, elbow), Tanner Houck (SP, flexor), Hunter Dobbins (SP, ACL), Marcelo Mayer (SS, wrist), Liam Hendriks (RP, hip), Justin Slaten (RP, shoulder), Josh Winckowski (RP, elbow), Triston Casas (1B, knee), Kutter Crawford (SP, knee), and Patrick Sandoval (SP, elbow) weaken their roster.
- Strengths: Strong offense (46-12 when scoring 5+ runs), elite bullpen (3.30 ERA, 5th in MLB), and a 7-3 record in the last 10 games.
- Weaknesses: Depleted pitching staff and a 32-35 road record.
- Player to Watch: Jarren Duran (LF) – His .258 BA, 34 doubles, 13 HRs, and .300 BA in his last 5 games make him a consistent threat.
Baltimore Orioles
- 2025 Record (as of August 27): 60-73, 5th in AL East
- Performance Overview: The Orioles are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.9 runs/game with a .260 batting average, .317 OBP, and .408 SLG, and a 3.80 ERA. Gunnar Henderson’s .283 BA and 16 HRs lead the offense, but injuries to Gary Sanchez (C, knee), Jordan Westburg (3B, ankle), Felix Bautista (RP, shoulder), Brandon Young (RP, hamstring), Adley Rutschman (C, oblique), Zach Eflin (SP, back), Tyler O’Neill (OF, wrist), Colin Selby (RP, hamstring), Scott Blewett (RP, elbow), Jorge Mateo (INF, elbow), Cody Poteet (RP, shoulder), Grayson Rodriguez (SP, elbow), Albert Suarez (SP, shoulder), Tyler Wells (SP, elbow), and Kyle Bradish (SP, elbow) severely limit their depth.
- Weaknesses: Poor home record (31-36), depleted roster, and a 26th-ranked team ERA (4.72).
- Player to Watch: Gunnar Henderson (SS) – His .283 BA, 16 HRs, 59 RBI, and 6-game hitting streak (.275 BA, 2 HRs in last 10 games) make him a key performer.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The 2025 season series is tied 5-5, with the Red Sox winning 4-3 on August 25, 5-0 on August 26, and 3-1 on August 27, while the Orioles won 4-3 on August 19 and 6-3 on August 18. In 2024, the Orioles led 7-6.
- Recent Encounter: On August 27, the Red Sox won 3-1, with Brayan Bello’s 6 innings and Roman Anthony’s RBI single outpacing Dean Kremer’s effort.
- Key Insight: The Red Sox’s pitching depth and recent offensive surge (12 runs in series) give them an edge, but Henderson and Holliday’s power keeps the Orioles competitive.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sox | Garrett Crochet (LHP) | 14-5 | 2.38 | 166.2 | 207 | 1.06 |
| Orioles | Cade Povich (LHP) | 2-7 | 5.13 | 86.0 | 95 | 1.43 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Garrett Crochet (Red Sox):
- Strengths: Elite 2.38 ERA, 11.2 K/9, and a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts (20 IP, 4 ER). His fastball-slider mix dominates (.218 BA allowed), as seen in a 7-inning, 1-ER outing vs. the Yankees on August 21.
- Negatives: Limited experience against the Orioles (3.60 ERA in one 2025 start) could be tested by Henderson’s hot bat.
- Cade Povich (Orioles):
- Strengths: Decent 9.9 K/9 and a 3.86 ERA in his last home start (7 IP, 3 ER vs. Astros on August 22). His fastball-curveball mix can generate swings and misses.
- Negatives: High 5.13 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and a 5.40 ERA in his last 3 starts make him vulnerable to Duran and Story’s power.
Key Players to Monitor
- Boston Red Sox:
- Jarren Duran (LF): .258 BA, 34 doubles, .300 BA in last 5 games.
- Trevor Story (SS): .258 BA, 82 RBI, 2-for-4 on August 26.
- Roman Anthony (RF): .268 BA, 2 RBI on August 25.
- Baltimore Orioles:
- Gunnar Henderson (SS): .283 BA, 16 HRs, 6-game hitting streak.
- Jackson Holliday (2B): .244 BA, 15 HRs, 9 RBI in last 10 games.
- Ryan Mountcastle (DH): .256 BA, 2-for-4 on August 25.
Recent Performance
- Boston Red Sox: At 74-60, the Red Sox are 7-3 in their last 10, scoring 48 runs while allowing 33, with their offense solid (.234 BA) and pitching elite (3.30 ERA).
- Baltimore Orioles: At 60-73, the Orioles are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 49 runs and allowing 38, with their offense decent (.260 BA) but pitching inconsistent (3.80 ERA).
Critical Factors
- Venue: Oriole Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions (4.15 park ERA) favor power bats like Story and Henderson, though Crochet’s strikeout ability could limit damage.
- Weather: Forecasted at 85°F with mostly sunny skies and a 10% chance of rain, ideal for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Red Sox’s 3-0 series lead and 7-3 run contrast with the Orioles’ 4-6 stretch and 0-3 series deficit.
- Betting Odds: Red Sox favored at -175, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting Crochet’s dominance and the Orioles’ struggles.
Prediction
The Boston Red Sox hold a clear edge in this matchup, driven by Garrett Crochet’s 2.38 ERA and 11.2 K/9 compared to Cade Povich’s 5.13 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. The Orioles’ offense, led by Henderson and Holliday, could challenge Crochet’s limited experience against them, but the Red Sox’s lineup, sparked by Duran and Story, should exploit Povich’s inconsistency. Boston’s bullpen, with Kenley Jansen (28 saves), will likely secure the win to take the series 3-1.
Final Prediction: Boston Red Sox win, 6-3. Duran drives in 2 runs, and Crochet pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Boston Red Sox (-175) – Crochet’s elite pitching and Boston’s momentum make them a strong pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs (-110) – Oriole Park’s hitter-friendly setup and Povich’s struggles suggest a high-scoring game.
- Jarren Duran to Record an RBI (+110) – His 73 RBI and recent form offer strong value against Povich.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 27, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on MASN or NESN, as noted in the sports card.
