The Boston Red Sox head south to Miami for a Monday night regular-season showdown against the Marlins at loanDepot park, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET on August 24. Ranger Suárez takes the ball for Boston against Sandy Alcántara, one of the more intriguing pitching matchups you'll find on the schedule this time of year. The Sox are away from Fenway, playing in one of baseball's most cavernous ballparks, and every game in the second half of the regular season carries real weight. This one is no different.
Starting Pitchers: Suárez vs. Alcántara
The headliner here is the mound matchup, and it's a good one. Sandy Alcántara has long been one of the most durable and talented starters in the National League — a power sinker guy who generates weak contact and eats innings. When he's right, he's as tough a draw as any team could ask for on the road.
For Boston, Ranger Suárez gets the nod. The left-hander has proven he belongs in a major-league rotation, mixing pitches effectively and limiting free passes. His ability to generate ground balls could play well against whatever lineup Miami rolls out. Both starters are capable of going deep into a game, which makes bullpen usage a potential factor only if things unravel early.
Keys to Watch for the Red Sox
- Make Alcántara work deep in counts. The Marlins' ace is at his most dangerous when he's ahead. Boston's lineup needs to grind at-bats, work deep into counts, and force him to throw more pitches than he'd like. Take the walk if it's there.
- Suárez's command early. The first time through a lineup sets the tone. If Suárez can establish his fastball and keep the ball on the ground, he gives Boston a legitimate chance to steal one on the road.
- Run prevention in loanDepot park. The park can play differently depending on conditions, but Miami isn't a lineup to take lightly in its own building. Suárez and the Sox defense need to be sharp.
- Situational hitting. Against a pitcher like Alcántara, manufactured runs matter. Runners in scoring position can't be wasted. Boston has to be opportunistic.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the game on NESN or tune in on WEEI 93.7 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on WAQI 710 AM and WCCM 1490 AM.
Prediction
This is a tough road spot. Alcántara at home is a challenge for any offense, and Boston is away from the friendly confines of Fenway. That said, a Suárez who's locked in gives the Red Sox a real fighting chance. Expect a low-scoring, tight game that comes down to a handful of key at-bats. Lean toward the pitching on both sides — but Boston's lineup has enough quality to scratch out a win if they're disciplined at the plate. Red Sox 3, Marlins 2.
