The Boston Red Sox enter Sunday’s rubber match against the Los Angeles Dodgers with the opportunity to claim an impressive home series win over one of the National League’s elite teams, and they’re doing so with growing confidence behind a balanced offensive attack and increasingly reliable pitching. Boston’s offense has found rhythm lately, with Jarren Duran setting the tone at the top of the lineup and Rafael Devers continuing to provide his usual thunder from the middle of the order, all while young contributors like Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela inject speed and energy into the lineup. Duran in particular has elevated his game in July, ranking among MLB’s leaders in extra-base hits and stolen bases this month, giving the Red Sox a legitimate weapon in high-leverage situations. The return of Trevor Story has given the infield a defensive boost while slowly adding more depth to the lineup, and with Masataka Yoshida now looking more comfortable in his role, Boston’s offense has become multidimensional and capable of scoring in bunches or grinding out close games. On the mound, manager Alex Cora has been strategic with his usage of a bullpen that had its share of inconsistencies earlier in the season but now seems to be settling in. Kenley Jansen, despite some occasional hiccups, remains the closer, but it’s been the middle-inning arms like Justin Slaten, Brennan Bernardino, and Chris Martin who have allowed Boston to stay competitive in tight ballgames.

Tanner Houck has delivered several quality starts, and with Brayan Bello rounding back into form, the Red Sox have more pitching stability than they’ve had for much of the season. Sunday’s start belongs to Nick Pivetta, who has been excellent in his recent outings and has developed into a valuable hybrid starter/long-reliever, capable of navigating lineups multiple times with a high strikeout rate and improved command. For Boston to beat the Dodgers and win the series, they’ll need to play a clean game defensively and minimize free passes—Los Angeles punishes mistakes, and even the smallest lapse in execution can quickly swing momentum. Boston’s aggressive base running and situational hitting have become strengths, and if they can execute the hit-and-run or stretch singles into doubles against a sometimes-leaky Dodgers outfield, it could tip the balance. The Red Sox have quietly been one of the better teams against the spread at home this season, frequently outperforming expectations in the underdog role and delivering value to bettors. Sunday’s game, nationally spotlighted and full of postseason implications for both teams, is a chance for Boston to make another statement that they’re not just a young team with promise—they’re a legitimate threat. With a deep American League race unfolding and Boston hovering in the Wild Card picture, every win against a top-tier opponent like the Dodgers boosts both their confidence and their playoff résumé. A series victory at Fenway would solidify that they belong in the October conversation and give them serious momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.