Mon Sep 01 16:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

After avoiding a sweep against the Pirates with a dramatic inside-the-park home run from Jarren Duran, the Boston Red Sox are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in a three-game series. Brayan Bello will start for the Red Sox on Labor Day, coming off two strong performances. He will be opposed by Guardians rookie Parker Messick, who has impressed in his first two major league starts. The article provides the starting lineups and pitching matchups for both teams, along with some key stats and notes, including Aroldis Chapman’s impressive hitless streak, the Red Sox’s strong record since July 1st, and their recent offensive struggles at home. It also mentions the extension of Aroldis Chapman’s contract. The Red Sox are currently 3.5 games back in the AL East and a half-game back for the first wild card spot.

**News Article:**

**Red Sox Look to Continue Momentum Against Guardians After Duran’s Heroics**

BOSTON – Riding high after a thrilling inside-the-park home run from Jarren Duran prevented a weekend sweep by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Boston Red Sox turn their attention to a crucial three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians starting Monday.

Brayan Bello will take the mound for the Red Sox in the Labor Day matinee, scheduled for a 1:35 p.m. first pitch. Bello (10-6, 2.99 ERA) is coming off two stellar outings, including seven shutout innings against the New York Yankees. He’ll face Guardians rookie left-hander Parker Messick (1-0, 0.66 ERA), who has allowed just one earned run in his first two major league starts.

The Red Sox (76-62) are looking to build on their impressive run since July 1, when they have the best record in the American League at 34-18. Despite this, they’ve struggled to score runs at home recently. “I feel like, through that skid, we were hitting balls really hard. That’s baseball,” Duran said, confident in the team’s ability to bounce back. “At the end of the day, you can hit the ball hard and still get out.”

Boston has also locked down closer Aroldis Chapman with a one-year contract extension for the 2026 season, including a mutual option for another year. Chapman is currently on a remarkable streak, having faced 44 consecutive batters without allowing a hit.

The Guardians (68-67), after a recent rollercoaster of winning and losing streaks, will look to Messick to provide stability.

The Red Sox enter Monday’s game 3 ½ games back of the Blue Jays in the AL East and half a game behind the Yankees for the first wild card spot. Every game is critical as they push towards the postseason.

**(Lineups and other statistics omitted for brevity)**

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