After a disappointing first half in his first year with Boston, two-time All-Star Walker Buehler has started the second half strong, posting a 2.86 ERA with 12 strikeouts in four appearances to help fuel the team’s late-season push.

My rule of thumb about the Red Sox is this: They’re World Series monsters when they’re all in, top to bottom..Boston has won 16 of 19 Fall Classic games against National League champions since 2004. The Red Sox have won four World Series titles in the 21st century’s first 24 years, leading the sport.

Buehler tossed 6 scoreless innings to lead the Red Sox to a 10-2 victory at Petco Park on Friday. This win adds to Buehler’s impressive resume against the Padres. The 31-year-old righty, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2017-24, improved to 7-1 with a 1.67 ERA in 13 career starts (81 innings) against San Diego.