First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, with the Phillies aiming to complete a series sweep after back-to-back wins, including a 4–1 victory on Tuesday behind a complete-game gem from Cristopher Sánchez. The Red Sox, who have scored just three total runs in the series, look to salvage the finale and stay afloat in the AL Wild Card race.
Matchup Overview
- Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
- Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Time: 7:05 PM ET
- Broadcast: ESPN, NESN (Red Sox), NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies)
- Streaming: MLB.TV, FuboTV (regional restrictions may apply)
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Sox | Lucas Giolito (RHP) | 6–2 | 3.59 | 1.24 | 70 |
| Phillies | Jesús Luzardo (LHP) | 8–5 | 4.29 | 1.43 | 129 |
- Lucas Giolito has pitched well on the road, posting a 2.55 ERA in seven starts away from Fenway Park. He’s coming off a shaky outing vs. the Cubs (4 ER in 5.1 IP), but has nine quality starts in 14 appearances.
- Jesús Luzardo brings elite strikeout stuff (10.7 K/9) but has struggled with command and big innings. He allowed 4 ER in 4.2 IP in his last start vs. the Angels.
Key Players to Watch
Boston Red Sox
- Jarren Duran: .257 AVG, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 16 SB – top-of-the-order spark plug with extra-base power.
- Ceddanne Rafaela: .271 AVG, 14 HR – team leader in batting average and slugging.
- Trevor Story: 15 HR, 59 RBI – veteran bat with power and clutch hitting.
- Wilyer Abreu: 20 HR – clubhouse leader in home runs; dangerous vs. lefties.
Philadelphia Phillies
- Kyle Schwarber: 33 HR, 75 RBI – fifth in MLB in homers; homered Tuesday.
- Bryce Harper: .272 AVG, 13 HR – hitting .421 over last five games with 3 HR and 6 RBI.
- Trea Turner: .288 AVG, 11 HR, 25 SB – consistent leadoff threat with speed and contact.
- Nick Castellanos: .270 AVG, 12 HR – two-game hit streak entering Wednesday.
Team Stats & Trends
| Category | Red Sox | Phillies |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .242 (21st MLB) | .255 (5th MLB) |
| Slugging Percentage | .414 (8th) | .445 (4th) |
| Home Runs | 148 (4th) | 154 (2nd) |
| Runs Scored | 444 (15th) | 535 (1st) |
| Team ERA | 4.28 | 3.58 |
- Boston is 1–4 since the All-Star break, scoring two or fewer runs in each loss.
- Philadelphia has won three straight and is 31–17 at home, one of the best home records in MLB.
Final Takeaway
The Red Sox vs. Phillies matchup features two playoff hopefuls with contrasting momentum. With Jesús Luzardo’s strikeout upside and Philadelphia’s deep lineup, the Phillies are poised to complete the sweep. Boston will need a strong outing from Lucas Giolito and timely hitting from Duran, Rafaela, and Story to stay competitive. Expect fireworks in a hitter-friendly ballpark with postseason implications on the line.
Game Odds
Boston Red Sox 8.5
Philadelphia Phillies – 156
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Tuesday, July 22, 2025
