Seattle at Boston

This was supposed to be a contending year for both of these teams, but here we are in the middle of August and each has pretty much packed it in. Nelson Cruz has been on fire, but the rest of the Mariners have simply not hit consistently, and Cruz may miss this game with a neck injury, jeopardizing a 21-game hitting streak. Mike Montgomery has lost his command over the last five games as he has walked 18 in just 25.1 innings of work, and has not won in any of his last six starts. A lot was expected from Joe Kelly, and he has disappointed, but he is off a win and strong outing his last trip to the bump. Boston has been the best team in baseball when opening a series as a home favorite off a loss the last 10 years. During that span, when the line has been from -117 to -179, they are a brilliant 56-17, and have been getting it done this year in this spot as well. Boston takes this one.