New York @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 6, 2012 ) NY Yankees 10, Boston 8

There are plenty of reasons why the New York Yankees are sitting comfortably atop the American League East while the Boston Red Sox are scraping to stay out of the division cellar. Despite blowing a five-run lead in Friday's opener of their four-game series, the Yankees regrouped with a late rally against Boston's bullpen to improve to 3-0 against the Red Sox this season. Sparked by Mark Teixeira's four RBIs, New York leads Boston by 8 1/2 games entering Saturday's day-night doubleheader.

Having already blown a nine-run lead at home to the Yankees earlier in the season, the Red Sox appeared poised for a stunning comeback of their own after having trailed by five runs before even coming to bat. Instead, Boston suffered its fourth consecutive loss and dropped below .500 (21-22) at Fenway Park. The one positive for the Red Sox was watching the offense come to life after managing a total of five runs in a three-game sweep at the hands of the Oakland Athletics.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Freddy Garcia (2-2, 5.94 ERA) vs. Red Sox Franklin Morales (1-1, 2.51)

Garcia had a solid outing in his return to the starting rotation, allowing two runs - both on solo homers - and five hits in 5 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay. He has strong career numbers against the Red Sox - posting a 9-4 record and 4.76 ERA in 22 appearances (21 starts) - but he was battered for five runs on seven hits in only 1 2/3 innings in a start at Fenway Park in April.

Forced into the starting rotation due to injuries, Morales has been a revelation for the Red Sox. In three starts, he has allowed five runs while striking out 24 in 18 innings. He blanked Seattle on three hits over seven innings in his last start, and made a relief appearance at Oakland on Wednesday. Morales has faced the Yankees four times, giving up one run in 3 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Robinson Cano extended his RBI streak to nine games, two shy of the franchise record held by Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio.

2. Boston 1B Adrian Gonzalez had three hits Friday to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

3. New York's win Friday tied the all-time series at Fenway Park at 459-459-4.