Image Source: The Boston Globe
Mariners vs Red Sox action returns to Fenway Park on Monday night, with Boston opening a crucial three-game series against Seattle. The Red Sox are looking for an immediate response after losing three of four games to the New York Yankees, including a 16-1 defeat in Sunday’s series finale.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Boston enters the matchup with a 74-63 record, while the Mariners arrive at 64-73 after dropping four straight games. Both teams are trying to regain momentum during an important stretch of the season.
Mariners vs Red Sox Lineups and Starting Pitchers
The Red Sox will send left-hander Payton Tolle to the mound. Tolle is 8-6 with a 3.09 earned run average and has won his last four decisions. He is 4-0 over his last nine starts, although his most recent outing ended without a decision.
In that start against the Miami Marlins on Aug. 25, Tolle allowed two runs on four hits across 5⅓ innings. Boston ultimately won that game, 7-3, in 11 innings.
Seattle will counter with right-hander George Kirby, who is 9-10 with a 4.02 ERA. Kirby has a 2-1 record and a 3.21 ERA in six career starts against Boston. In his most recent outing, he struck out nine and gave up one run over 7⅔ innings in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup
- Roman Anthony — designated hitter
- Mickey Gasper — first base
- Ceddanne Rafaela — center field
- Wilyer Abreu — right field
- Leo Sogard — second base
- Nathaniel Durbin — third base
- Jarren Duran — left field
- Trevor Story — shortstop
- Connor Wong — catcher
Seattle Mariners Starting Lineup
- Randy Arozarena — left field
- Dominic Canzone — designated hitter
- Julio Rodríguez — center field
- Cal Raleigh — catcher
- Josh Naylor — first base
- Taylor Ward — right field
- Cole Young — second base
- Weston Wilson — third base
- J.P. Crawford — shortstop
Key Injuries and Recent Form
Boston will be without first baseman Willson Contreras, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Mickey Gasper was recalled from Worcester and moves into the starting lineup, batting second.
There was encouraging news for the Red Sox on Sunday, despite the lopsided loss. Roman Anthony and Trevor Story were activated and returned to the lineup. Anthony went 2-for-4 with a ground-rule double, while Story went 2-for-3 and also doubled.
Boston has lost four of its last five games and managed only three runs in the four losses. The offensive struggles have placed additional pressure on the pitching staff, particularly as the Red Sox attempt to stay in the postseason race.
The Mariners are experiencing an even tougher stretch. Seattle has been outscored 25-4 during its four-game losing streak and was held to one hit in Sunday’s 7-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Cal Raleigh produced Seattle’s only hit, a double with two outs in the fourth inning.
Important Matchup Notes
Tolle has faced Seattle once before, allowing three runs on six hits in a 3-1 loss on June 21. Several Mariners have limited experience against him, though Taylor Ward is 2-for-5 and Weston Wilson is 1-for-2 in the matchup.
Jarren Duran has been one of Boston’s more productive hitters against Kirby, going 3-for-10. Ceddanne Rafaela is 2-for-5, while Trevor Story is 2-for-8. Adley Rutschman is 4-for-22 against Kirby, according to the game notes.
The opening game carries significance for both clubs. Boston needs to recover quickly from its difficult weekend in New York, while Seattle is trying to close a five-game gap in the American League wild-card race and remain competitive in the AL West.
The game will be televised by NESN and broadcast on WEEI-FM 93.7. The series continues at Fenway Park after Monday’s opener, giving both teams a chance to build momentum before the regular season’s final weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Mariners vs Red Sox game?
The series opener is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, at 6:45 p.m. at Fenway Park.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Payton Tolle will start for Boston, while George Kirby will take the mound for Seattle.
Why is Willson Contreras unavailable?
Contreras was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.
Where can fans watch the game?
The game will be televised on NESN and broadcast on WEEI-FM 93.7.
