The Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox close out their competitive three-game interleague set on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Fenway Park in a rubber match that could prove pivotal for both teams as they jockey for momentum in the middle third of the season. Each team has claimed a game so far in the series, with Boston’s explosive offense putting pressure on Atlanta’s pitchers in one game, and the Braves’ balanced attack and reliable pitching staff responding in the other. The Red Sox enter this finale with a 22–23 record, looking to climb back to .500 and shake off a 4–6 stretch in their last 10 games. They’ve relied on a high-powered offense that has scored 221 runs this season—more than most AL clubs—powered by key bats like Rafael Devers, Wilyer Abreu, and Alex Bregman. However, their defense and bullpen have been major liabilities, often allowing close games to slip away. On the mound for Boston will be Brayan Bello, who carries a 2.33 ERA into the start, a surface stat that looks great but masks some underlying warning signs. Bello has been allowing elevated contact, and his xERA and WHIP suggest regression is coming if he doesn’t tighten up command, especially against a Braves lineup that thrives when it works deep into counts and drives the ball to all fields.

Atlanta, also sitting even at 22–22, has shaken off a sluggish start to the season and enters this game on the back of winning 9 of its last 12 games. Their offense hasn’t been as electric as Boston’s, tallying 175 runs so far, but they’ve been incredibly efficient, and their run differential remains competitive due to a pitching staff that has only allowed 171 runs. Rookie right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach takes the mound for Atlanta, and he’s been one of the team’s most intriguing arms, posting a 3.31 ERA through his first several starts. Schwellenbach has demonstrated excellent poise for a young pitcher, consistently keeping hitters off balance with a sharp slider and well-located fastball. While he doesn’t overpower hitters, his ability to induce soft contact and avoid big innings has been a key to Atlanta’s recent success. Defensively, the Braves have played clean and sharp baseball, limiting errors and supporting their pitchers with smart positioning and range in the infield. Their bullpen has also stabilized after a rocky start, with closer Raisel Iglesias and setup man A.J. Minter combining to shut the door in late innings. Sunday’s game will likely be decided by execution—whether Boston can continue to mash and give Bello run support before their bullpen gets exposed, or if Atlanta’s pitching depth and opportunistic offense can control the tempo. With both teams eyeing momentum and separation in competitive divisions, this finale could carry far more weight than just one win. Expect a tight, strategic game at Fenway with both managers eager to manage aggressively, knowing a series win could provide the springboard both clubs are hunting for.