Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET
Broadcast: NESN, NBC Sports Chicago
Game Overview
The Chicago White Sox (4-14) travel to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox (10-10) in the first game of a four-game series. The White Sox enter the matchup struggling, ranking last in MLB in slugging percentage (.296) and total hits (112). Meanwhile, the Red Sox have been competitive, winning seven of their 13 games as favorites this season.
Boston’s offense has been middle-of-the-pack, ranking 15th in slugging percentage (.382) and 10th in batting average (.247). However, their pitching staff has been solid, with Hunter Dobbins (1-0, 3.60 ERA) set to start against Chicago’s Martín Pérez (1-0, 4.75 ERA).
Projected Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago White Sox | Martín Pérez (LHP) | 1-0 | 4.75 | 1.38 | 15 |
| Boston Red Sox | Hunter Dobbins (RHP) | 1-0 | 3.60 | 1.40 | 9 |
Martín Pérez (White Sox)
Pérez has been inconsistent, allowing two earned runs over 4.2 innings in his last start. His ability to limit Boston’s power hitters will be key, as the Red Sox rank 20th in MLB in home runs (17 total).
Hunter Dobbins (Red Sox)
Dobbins is making his second start of the season, having allowed two earned runs over five innings against St. Louis. His ability to control the strike zone will be crucial against a White Sox lineup that ranks 29th in runs scored (54 total).
Key Players to Watch
Chicago White Sox
- Luis Robert Jr. (OF): Leads the team with four home runs and 10 RBIs, providing much-needed power.
- Andrew Benintendi (OF): Batting .265, looking to spark Chicago’s struggling offense.
- Edgar Quero (C): Recently called up, making his MLB debut, adding intrigue to Chicago’s lineup.
Boston Red Sox
- Kristian Campbell (INF): Has reached base in 17 of 18 games, boasting a .392 OBP.
- Trevor Story (SS): Hit a clutch home run in Boston’s last game, looking to build momentum.
- Wilyer Abreu (OF): Batting .306 with three home runs, providing consistency.
Game Strategy & Key Factors
Chicago White Sox
- Pérez must limit Boston’s offense: His 4.75 ERA suggests vulnerability, so early control is key.
- Break out of offensive slump: Chicago ranks last in slugging percentage, needing a spark.
- Capitalize on Boston’s strikeout struggles: The Red Sox rank last in strikeouts per game (9.9 K/9).
Boston Red Sox
- Dobbins must control the strike zone: His 3.60 ERA suggests he can keep Chicago’s offense in check.
- Take advantage of Chicago’s weak hitting: The White Sox rank 29th in runs scored, making this a prime opportunity.
- Home-field advantage: Boston has been strong at Fenway Park, looking to extend their winning ways.
Chicago White Sox 9.5
Boston Red Sox – 218
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 17, 2025
