Dodgers Are Perfect Opponent for Red Sox Out of All-Star Break

The Boston Red Sox certainly have not played at the level which led them to a World Series championship last season. Despite their struggles, though, they entered the All-Star break on a high note, winning four in a row. Now, they've kept the momentum going against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This matchup is more beneficial than it may seem for the Red Sox. The Dodgers may hold the best record in baseball, but over the last few games both teams have been trending in opposite directions. With the Red Sox 8-1 win last night, the Dodgers have lost four consecutive games.

Some of the pieces on the Red Sox have changed since last year’s World Series victory, but the core still knows they can beat the Dodgers. Taking Game 1 Friday night only boosted their confidence higher. Combine that with the Dodgers flying across the country to play at Fenway Park, it gives the Red Sox a huge advantage.

Eduardo Rodriguez, Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vazquez were three guys who struggled in the 2018 World Series, but all three came out of the break with a vengeance. Rodriguez hurled seven innings, allowing one run and striking out 10. Bogaerts and Vazquez both clubbed home runs to help the Red Sox effort.

The Red Sox have dealt with many issues in the first half, but have a 50-41 record. They are certainly still in the race for the AL East, nine games behind the first place New York Yankees and are only one game out of the second Wild Card spot.

There is plenty of baseball left in the second half of the season. The trade deadline is a little over two weeks away and with the way the Red Sox are playing, expect them to be big buyers on July 31.