The Boston Red Sox enter Sunday’s interleague finale at Petco Park with a sense of urgency and confidence, knowing that their solid record against the spread on the road has been fueled by a balanced blend of disciplined offense, dependable pitching, and opportunistic defense, and they will need all three components firing to overcome a San Diego Padres team that has upgraded its roster and gained late-season momentum. Boston’s probable starter will have to set the tone immediately by attacking the strike zone with conviction, working ahead in counts to dictate at-bats, and keeping the ball low to induce ground balls that neutralize the Padres’ power threats, especially against hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ryan O’Hearn who can change a game with one swing. Staying away from hitter’s counts will be critical, as Petco Park may suppress some home run distance but still rewards well-struck balls into the gaps, and extended innings can quickly drain a bullpen in a tight, low-scoring contest. Offensively, the Red Sox will rely on Alex Bregman’s elite plate discipline to get on base and disrupt San Diego’s pitching rhythm, Jarren Duran’s speed to create scoring chances with aggressive base running and first-to-third reads, and Rafael Devers’ ability to drive the ball to all fields to provide the type of clutch power that can decide a game where runs are scarce.

The supporting cast, including Connor Wong’s contact hitting and Ceddanne Rafaela’s knack for putting the ball in play, will be tasked with keeping innings alive and executing small-ball tactics like hit-and-run plays and sacrifice bunts to capitalize on every scoring opportunity. Defensively, Boston’s infield must be flawless in turning double plays and handling hard-hit balls cleanly, while the outfield will need to anticipate liners into the alleys and execute precise relays to cut down extra-base attempts, as the Padres are likely to challenge arms aggressively in a ballpark that encourages base stealing and aggressive running. In the bullpen, manager Alex Cora will have to be ready to make quick decisions, using his top leverage relievers in the right matchups to neutralize the heart of San Diego’s order late in the game, while also preserving flexibility in case extra innings come into play. With Petco’s layout making defensive positioning and late-game execution paramount, Boston’s ability to prevent “free 90s” through walks or defensive lapses will be just as important as their offensive output. If the starter can navigate six or more effective innings, the lineup can sustain pressure with disciplined, patient at-bats, and the bullpen delivers crisp, mistake-free work in the late innings, the Red Sox have a clear blueprint to not only win but also send a message that they can handle playoff-caliber opponents on the road, reinforcing their status as a dangerous, fundamentally sound team capable of winning in any environment.