The Boston Red Sox bring the Arizona Diamondbacks to Fenway Park on Tuesday, August 18, for a 7:10 PM ET first pitch in what shapes up as a compelling interleague regular-season matchup. Ranger Suárez gets the ball for Boston opposite Arizona's veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly. With summer winding down and every game carrying weight in the standings, this is exactly the kind of home date you circle. Catch the action on NESN or tune in on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Probable Starters: Ranger Suárez vs. Merrill Kelly

Ranger Suárez draws the assignment for the Red Sox. The left-hander has established himself as a front-of-the-rotation option, and Fenway Park's quirks — the Green Monster, the tight foul territory, the electric crowd — tend to play well for a pitcher who generates soft contact and works both sides of the plate. How Suárez commands the strike zone early and keeps Arizona's lineup from working deep counts will be the central story on the home side.

Merrill Kelly counters for the Diamondbacks. The right-hander is a durable, experienced arm who doesn't beat himself with walks and knows how to adjust through a lineup. Boston's hitters will need to be disciplined and look to do damage when Kelly leaves a pitch in the zone, rather than chasing offerings off the corners that he uses to steal strikes.

Keys to Watch at Fenway Park

• Suárez's command early: If he gets ahead of hitters in the first two innings, he sets the tone for a deep, efficient outing. A slow start against a patient Arizona lineup could mean a short night.
• Boston's offense vs. a ground-ball pitcher: Kelly's style tends to suppress the big inning. The Red Sox need to string together quality at-bats rather than wait around for the three-run homer.
• Bullpen depth: In a tight game, the back end of both pens could decide this one. Boston's relief options at Fenway in close, late-inning situations will be worth monitoring.
• First-inning energy: Fenway crowds in August push the pace. If the Sox can get something going early, that momentum is real and it matters.

Prediction

This one figures to be a well-pitched, lower-scoring game given the arms involved. Suárez at home is a favorable matchup for Boston, and the Red Sox offense has enough pop in the lineup to scratch out runs against a pitcher like Kelly if they stay patient. Look for the Sox to get a quality start from Suárez and find a way to push across enough to win a close one. Red Sox 4, Diamondbacks 2.