Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Highlight Weekend Action

Football? Who bets on that? Baseball betting is where it's at in September. For those doubters, take a look at this weekend's MLB schedule. We dare you not to wager.

New York Yankees

This American League East rivalry is still the biggest grudge match in sports. And the stakes go far beyond divisional bragging rights this weekend when the Red Sox visit the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees have clinched the AL East title and a spot in the postseason but Boston is still reaching for the playoffs, leading the AL Wild Card race by seven games heading into the weekend.

With the Red Sox all but guaranteed a dance ticket, these two could meet in the AL Championship Series if they continue their current play. New York stumbled on its recent road trip, going 3-3 but taking two of three games with the Los Angeles Angels before returning home. Boston had also hit a snag on the road, losing two of three to the Royals heading into Thursday. Boston leads the season series 9-6 but has dropped five of the last six meetings.

Kansas City Royals

The Twins' recent hot streak has moved the team within shouting distance of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. Minnesota has won three in a row and nine of its last 10 games heading into Friday's series opener with the Royals. Despite losing first baseman Justin Morneau for the season, the Twins’ offense is bashing the cover off the ball during this stretch; they're hitting .291 and scoring an average of 5.6 runs per game in the past week. Minnesota has also beat up Kansas City this season, leading the season series 7-5.

The Royals have held their own against the surging Red Sox at home this week. Kansas City is becoming known for its strong finishes to the schedule. Last September the Royals closed the year with an 18-8 record in the final month of the season. This year K.C. is 13-8 this month behind a cruising offense. The team is hitting .286 and scoring more than five runs per game. Ace Zack Greinke will close out this weekend set against Twins lefty Francisco Liriano on Sunday.

Colorado Rockies

St. Louis' offense was rolling in the first two games of this final nine-game road trip, but failed to score on seven hits against the Astros on Wednesday. The Cardinals have a solid road batting average and put up almost five runs per game in opposing ballparks. A lot of that success comes from first baseman Albert Pujols, who is hitting .333 with 69 RBI and 24 home runs on the road.

The Rockies hold down the lead in the NL Wild Card race. Colorado had won four of its last six games heading into Thursday night. The Rockies have been substantially better inside Coors Field this season. On top of an NL-best 46-28 home record, Colorado hits .286 and averages almost six runs per game at home this season. The Rockies have dominated the Cards this year, sweeping St. Louis in a four-game series back in June. They outscored the Cardinals 33-9 in that series.