Red Sox, Tigers Clash In Decisive AL Wild Card Series At Fenway

The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers face a critical three-game series at Fenway Park that will largely determine the final playoff spots in the American League. The Red Sox, holding an 87-72 record and the No. 2 AL Wild Card spot, need just one win to secure a playoff berth or can clinch with a Houston Astros loss. The Tigers, sitting at 86-73, must win at least two games to overtake the Red Sox and secure the AL Central title or get into the postseason ahead of the Astros. The series has playoff seeding implications, with the Red Sox potentially spoiling Detroit's chances and possibly knocking them out of the postseason entirely, which could open the door for the Astros. Key pitching matchups include Red Sox left-hander Kyle Harrison against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize, with the Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal likely pitching the final game if needed. The Tigers have struggled recently, while the Red Sox have home-field advantage and momentum, making this a pivotal weekend for both teams in the race to October baseball.