The 7-3 Guardians are climbing in the standings, passing the Red Sox for a potential wild card spot. They are hitting the ball well lately, and have a tough starter on the mound for Thursday’s game vs the Sox. McKenzie has been solid all year, but especially fine in the month of June, allowing just a single run in four starts. He has pitched into the 7th at least and has held opposing batters to a paltry .146 ERA this month.

The Red Sox are just 2-8, down a pair of top hitters and a bucket-load of pitchers. They’ve lost 2 straight to the Guardians, still have severe pitching issues, and the bats remain quiet. Thursday’s starter is reliever turned starter Kutter Crawford. He has been one of the Sox’ better starters in June, and held the Jays and Rays to 3 runs over 6 innings in each of his last two starts. Don’t expect more innings than that on Thursday, which allows the Guardians a shot at that shaky and overworked bullpen.

Cleveland has the better offense, a stronger starter and the momentum of a good run. The Red Sox have to be demoralized, and waiting to see whose head will roll. Take The Guardians to continue their winning ways on Thursday. 9*