BOSTON (Interstat) — A critical three-game series with playoff implications opens Friday at Fenway Park as the Boston Red Sox host the Detroit Tigers.

The American League rivals, separated by just two games in the standings, begin their final regular-season matchup with the Red Sox (87-71) holding a slim edge over the Tigers (85-73). The forecast calls for rain and 71-degree temperatures for the 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

The teams last met in May, when the Tigers swept a three-game set from the Red Sox in Detroit, outscoring Boston 30-16. The Tigers won the series finale 6-5 on May 14, preceded by a 10-9, 11-inning victory and a 14-2 rout.

Boston arrives with momentum, having won two straight against the Toronto Blue Jays, including a 7-1 victory Wednesday. Left-hander Garrett Crochet dominated in that game, tossing eight scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Masataka Yoshida and Carlos Narváez homered to lead the offense.

Detroit, meanwhile, has lost five of its last six games and is coming off a 5-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. While relievers Tyler Holton and Will Vest provided scoreless outings, the Tigers’ offense has struggled, scoring two or fewer runs in four of their last five contests.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Red Sox are projected to win Friday’s contest 6-1.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Boston.