Boston took three of four in New York, with their only loss coming in a game that started with the coin-flip winner sent to the bullpen and the other side’s reliever delivering the blow. Now the focus shifts to Baltimore.
The Orioles embarrassed the Red Sox last week, sweeping the two-game series, and Boston will look to even the score in Baltimore.
On the mound for Baltimore, Sugano is coming off a bullpen-friendly outing last Tuesday, when he shut out Boston over five innings in a game the Red Sox ultimately lost 4-3 in 11 innings. Boston managed five hits off the right-handed starter, who struck out three and walked none. His ERA sits around four, with a higher FIP, and he doesn’t strike batters out frequently. This was his only start against Boston this season. He typically doesn’t push past 90 pitches, with just 11 starts exceeding that threshold in 24 outings. If Boston can grind out longer at-bats, they could loosen his grip late.
Boston will open the series with a bullpen game, featuring opener Brennan Bernardino. After him, Lucas Giolito will take the ball. Giolito allowed three runs to the Yankees in 4.2 innings last time out, with four strikeouts and three walks. He previously shut out Baltimore for seven innings on May 24 and will look to rekindle that form as a bounce-back performance in Baltimore this week.
Brayan Bello comes off a strong showing in the Bronx: seven innings, three hits, five strikeouts, and one walk. He’s delivered several solid performances in the second half after a rough start to the season, and Boston will be hoping for more of that momentum against the Orioles.
The finale, on the second Thursday in a row that the Red Sox have a game, features Garrett Crochet against Cade Povich. Povich, who has 15 starts this year, has often worked in bulk-inning roles in a couple of appearances. He has struggled more often than not, but he’s faced the Red Sox twice in 2025. Across those two outings, he’s allowed four runs in 9.1 innings with five walks and 14 strikeouts. Those were against the March and May versions of the Sox, and Boston isn’t the same team in both iterations, so things could be different this time around.
Probable pitching matchups
Monday, August 25: Brennan Bernardino (2.93 ERA / 3.37 FIP) vs. Tomoyuki Sugano (3.97 ERA / 4.79 FIP)
Tuesday, August 26: Lucas Giolito (3.72 ERA / 4.37 FIP) vs. TBD (— ERA /— FIP)
Wednesday, August 27: Brayan Bello (3.07 ERA / 4.20 FIP) vs. TBD (— ERA / — FIP)
Thursday, August 28: Garrett Crochet (2.38 ERA / 2.57 FIP) vs. Cade Povich (5.13 ERA / 4.02 FIP)
When/Where to Watch
Monday August 25: 6:35 PM ET on NESN
Tuesday August 26: 6:35 PM ET on NESN
Wednesday August 27: 6:35 PM ET on NESN
Thursday August 28: 1:05 PM ET on NESN
Additional notes and value-added context
– This series represents a chance for Boston to regain momentum against an Orioles club that handed them a tough sweep last week. Boston’s bullpen-heavy opener approach could test Baltimore’s patience early, especially if Sugano limits damage in the middle innings.
– Giolito’s previous successful matchup versus Baltimore should provide confidence, but consistency will be key if he runs into the Orioles’ lineup a second time this season.
– Bello’s recent form is a bright spot for Boston; if he continues to trend up, the Red Sox could clash well with Baltimore’s pitching staff.
– Povich’s upside remains, but his track record against Boston in 2025 suggests Boston has opportunities to interrupt his timing, especially if the Sox’ hitters contribute early runs.
Bottom line: Boston travels to Baltimore hoping to flip the script after a tough series loss, leaning on bullpen depth early, Giolito’s bounce-back potential, and Bello’s growing consistency to keep the series competitive. The Orioles will look to ride Sugano and a reliable relief corps to continue their recent success against Boston. If Boston can string together timely hitting and execute early, there’s a path to a positive result in this four-game set.
Summary: The Red Sox head to Baltimore aiming to rebound after a sweep by the Orioles, with key pitching matchups featuring Bernardino, Giolito, Bello, and Crochet against a Baltimore rotation led by Sugano. The series hinges on bullpen management, early offense, and how well Boston’s starters can sustain momentum.