The Arizona Diamondbacks (66-60) and Boston Red Sox (67-58) continue their three-game series tonight at Fenway Park. Boston dominated the opener last night, scoring in every inning but the first and the eighth, winning ultimately 11-1. With the win, the Sox strengthened their hold on the second Wild Card spot in the American League increasing their advantage to a full six games. The Diamondbacks missed an opportunity to climb into a tie for the final Wild Card position in the National League. They continue to sit just a game behind the Padres for the final berth.
As noted, last night's opener was all Boston. The Red Sox rolled to an 11-1 victory, pounding out 16 hits. Every Boston starter drove in at least one run, and remarkably, the club did not strike out a single time over nine innings. Willson Contreras and Mickey Gasper homered to lead the onslaught. Lost in the offense was a strong effort on the mound in what was a bullpen game led by Brayan Bello (4.2 IP, 1 ER) and four other relievers.
Tonight’s pitching matchup is expected to feature veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly (8-10, 5.11 ERA) for Arizona against left-hander Ranger Suárez (4-3, 3.25 ERA) for Boston. Kelly is coming off a rough outing against Colorado on August 12. The veteran allowed six earned runs on six hits in five innings, surrendering two home runs and striking out but two in a 6-4 loss. It was a disappointing follow-up to a much stronger start five days earlier against the Dodgers, when he gave up just one run over 5.2 innings. Suárez's most recent appearance came August 12 in Toronto. Although Boston lost 6-4, the left-hander pitched effectively, allowing just one earned run on six hits over five innings.
Lets dive further into tonight’s game and find a sweat or two.
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Game Details and How to Watch: Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Time: 7:10PM EST Site: Fenway Park City: Boston, MA Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, DBACKS.TV, NESN
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The Latest Odds: Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Arizona Diamondbacks (+153), Boston Red Sox (-165) Spread: Diamondbacks +1.5 (-149), Red Sox -1.5 (+123) Total: 8.0 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers – Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox for August 18
Red Sox: Ranger Suarez Season Totals: 108.0 IP, 4-3, 3.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 110K, 31 BB Diamondbacks: Merrill Kelly Season Totals: 125.0 IP, 8-10, 5.11 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 82K, 53 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox
Corbin Carroll is 7-16 including 1 HR and 8 RBIs in his career against Ranger Suarez Its too bad he is on the restricted list because Ketel Marte is 10-24 in his career against Suarez Ildemaro Vargas is 9-20 including 2 HRs in his career against Suarez Willson Contreras is 7-13 including 1 HR in his career against Merrill Kelly Merrill Kelly has allowed 16 hits and 12 earned runs over 15.2 innings in August after allowing just 6 in 27.2 IP in July Ranger Suarez has not pitched beyond the fifth inning since June 29th Caleb Durbin went 3-4 last night after going 2-10 in Pittsburgh over the weekend Andruw Monasterio is 0-8 over his last 2 games after collecting a hit in 5 straight games
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox
The Diamondbacks are 68-58 on the Run Line this season The Red Sox are 61-64 on the Run Line this season The OVER has cashed 53 times in Arizona’s 126 games this season (53-67-6) The OVER has cashed 57 times in Boston’s 125 games this season (57-64-4)
Expert picks & predictions: Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox for August 18
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Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Diamondbacks and the Red Sox:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Red Sox on the Run Line. Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8
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