Marlins vs. Red Sox prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets on August 26

Last night's game was a tightly contested pitchers' duel until they reached extra innings when Boston exploded for four runs in the 11th inning to secure a 7-3 victory. Mickey Gasper accounted for the Sox' offense early with solo home runs in the second and sixth innings. Boston rookie left-hander Payton Tolle was outstanding early, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. The Marlins finally broke through when Xavier Edwards doubled to open the frame, eventually leading to Brian Navarreto 's sacrifice fly that tied the game at 1-1. Miami answered Gasper's second homer immediately in the bottom of the sixth. Heriberto Hernández connected on a solo homer to left field, knotting the score at 2-2. Both bullpens then took over, and neither team could gain separation through the ninth inning.

The game became even more dramatic in the 10th. Boston took a 3-2 lead when Connor Wong scored on a passed ball, but Miami answered right back in the bottom half when Navarreto scored on a third-strike wild pitch, tying the game once again. Everything changed in the 11th. Willson Contreras opened the inning with a single, Jahmai Jones drew a walk, and after the bases became loaded, Jarren Duran crushed a grand slam to right-center field. The 412-foot blast broke the game open and gave Boston a commanding 7-3 lead. Alec Gamboa finished off the Marlins in the bottom half for his first major-league victory.

With their fifth straight win, the Sox pulled to within 1.5 games of the Yankees in the chase for the top Wild Card spot in the American League. Miami missed an opportunity to gain ground in the National League Wild Card race. They remain four games behind San Diego who sits in that final postseason spot.