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Guardians Welcome Red Sox, Aim to Stay Unbeaten at Home
Fresh off a strong showing against the first-place Yankees, the Cleveland Guardians continue their homestand with a new challenge: the Boston Red Sox. Cleveland, currently 7-2 at home, has yet to drop a home series this season—and they’ll look to keep that streak intact starting Friday night.
Despite a 5-1 loss on Wednesday, the Guardians took two of three from New York and are 11-4 since a slow start, having won five straight before the series finale. They’ve also won 7 of their last 9 matchups against Boston.
Keep tabs on team form and home records with the MLB Team Page.
Pitching Matchup: Lively vs. Houck
Ben Lively (1-2, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland after a solid outing last weekend in Pittsburgh. While he hasn’t logged a quality start this year, he’s kept games close. In Saturday’s 3-0 win, he allowed only four hits and a walk through 5.1 innings.
“That was Ben at his best,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
Historically, Lively has handled Boston well, going 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in four starts. And he won’t have to worry too much about Rafael Devers, who is mired in an 0-for-15 slump and hitless in five at-bats against Lively.
Houck Looks for Back-to-Back Strong Starts
Boston counters with Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.66 ERA), who’s had an up-and-down season. He was crushed by Tampa Bay earlier this month but bounced back against the White Sox with six solid innings, giving up just a first-inning two-run homer.
Houck has fared well against Cleveland overall, going 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA in nine appearances (four starts), including 1.78 ERA in four starts alone. He’ll need another sharp outing to help the Red Sox avoid a third straight loss.
Dive deeper into starting pitcher stats on the MLB Pick Page.
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Who’s Hot, Who’s Not: Bregman Up, Devers Down
Alex Bregman continues to lead Boston’s offense, even as others around him cool off. He went 2-for-3 in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to Seattle, homering and driving in two runs. He’s batting .320 on the season and 7-for-14 with five RBIs in his last four games.
“This is the player I expected,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
Meanwhile, Rafael Devers is struggling to make contact. Over his last five games, he’s 0-for-15, and he’s struck out twice in five career plate appearances against Lively.
Cleveland’s Steven Kwan is heating up, batting .364 over his last 13 games, and Jose Ramirez continues to be a menace at home, going 14-for-30 with 5 HR and 11 RBIs in his last seven home games vs. Boston.
For advanced player trends, fantasy value, and betting props, head to the MLB Expert Betting Guide.
FAQs About Guardians vs Red Sox Series
How have the Guardians performed at home?
They are 7-2 at home and have not lost a home series so far in 2025.
Who is pitching for Cleveland?
Ben Lively (1-2, 3.86 ERA), who just held Pittsburgh scoreless in 5.1 innings, will start Game 1.
Who is pitching for Boston?
Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.66 ERA) gets the call. He bounced back in his last start but has struggled overall this season.
Which players are trending hot?
Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan are both hitting well. Boston’s Alex Bregman is red-hot, hitting .320 on the year.
Who’s in a slump right now?
Boston’s Rafael Devers is 0-for-15 over his last five games and hitless in his career against Ben Lively.
Where can I find betting picks and predictions?
Visit the MLB Pick Page for updated betting lines and expert picks.
