Philadelphia Phillies at Boston Red Sox 3/2/23

The Boston Red Sox host the Philadelphia Phillies for a Spring Training game starting at 12:05 p.m. EST on Thursday at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida. The scheduled starting pitchers are Bailey Falter for the Phillies and Tanner Houck for the Red Sox.

The Red Sox and Astros played to a 4-4 tie Wednesday after Boston led 4-1 going into the bottom of the sixth inning. Houston scored twice in that inning and again in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game. Both teams had seven hits and committed two errors. Raimel Tapia led off and had a team-high two hits in three at bats for Boston.

The Phillies and Twins also finished tied at 4-4 in their Wednesday game. Philadelphia led 4-2 with two outs in the final half inning but couldn’t close the door. Francisco Morales walked the first batter of the inning before getting a double play to empty the bases.  He then loaded them up by allowing an infield single and two walks. Braden Zarbnisky relieved Morales and uncorked a wild pitch on his second toss that allowed a run. A throwing error by catcher Aramis Garcia on the play let in the tying run.

Boston finished last in the American League East last season, 21 games behind the division champion New York Yankees with a record of 78-84. The Red Sox missed the playoffs by eight games.

Philadelphia made It to the World Series last season after finishing third in the National League East behind the Braves and Mets with a record of 87-75.

Boston has not lost in five games in Grapefruit League play with three wins and two ties. Philadelphia has lost just once while winning four and tying one. The Red Sox are first in the standings just ahead of the Phillies by virtue of their winning percentage. Ties do not count toward a team’s record. We like Boston to win at Fenway South and move to 4-0. Final Score Prediction: Boston Red Sox win 7-4