The All Star break might come at a bad time for the surging Boston Red Sox who have won nine of their last 12 games. They defeated the New York Yankees 5-3 yesterday to equalize this three-game set at Fenway Park, I like the price we get on the hosts to claim the rubber-match this afternoon.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Yankees hand the ball to Nathan Eovaldi (8-2, 4.45 ERA) who's been pretty sharp of late going 3-0 in his last four starts surrendering only six runs over 22 1/3 innings of work. He's generally struggled away from home this year though compiling a 5.17 ERA over nine road-starts. The Red Sox can counter with Wade Miley (8-7, 4.50 ERA) who's 3-1 with a 3.26 ERA over his last five starts. He's 0-1 in three career meetings with the Yankees despite decent 3.79 ERA, and considering how the Red Sox have swung their bats of late he's looking good to finally book a W against the bitter AL East rivals.

2. Home Cookin' - The Red Sox have won five of their last six home at Fenway Park and they're 5-0 in Miley's last five starts as a home favorite. The Yankees meanwhile have lost five of their last six away from home coming into the game as an underdog.

3. X-Factor - Pablo Sandoval is 2-for-8 so far in this series and he's 12-for-17 with three doubles and a homer off Eovaldi lifetime.

Selection: This is a play on the Boston Red Sox (10*)