NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets open a three-game series Friday at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Rain is in the forecast, with temperatures expected around 75 degrees.

Boston (43-48) enters on a five-game winning streak after sweeping a three-game set at Chicago against the White Sox. The Red Sox outscored the White Sox 15-3 in that series, capped by a 2-1 victory Thursday. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval (4.1 innings, 5 hits, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts) earned the win in that game. New York (40-54) won its series opener against Kansas City on Thursday, 7-3, behind left-hander Sean Manaea (7.0 innings, 6 hits, 2 earned runs, 6 strikeouts). The Mets have won three of their last four.

Sandoval, who is expected to start Friday, has posted a 1.04 ERA over his last two outings covering 10 1/3 innings. Three of his five appearances this month have resulted in wins. Manaea, also likely to start, has been inconsistent; over his last five starts, he has allowed 15 earned runs in 27 innings, with two victories and three losses.

Boston’s offense has been productive during its streak. Caleb Durbin homered and drove in two runs Thursday, while the bullpen, including Aroldis Chapman (1.0 inning, no runs), held the White Sox scoreless in relief.

The Mets’ lineup got contributions from Tyrone Taylor (2 for 3, home run, RBI) and Jared Young (2 for 4, RBI) in Thursday’s win. Manaea recorded his second quality start in his last three outings.

The Mets are installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of minus-1.5. The over/under is 7.5 runs. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Boston victory and gives the Red Sox a 53.6 percent chance to win.

Following Friday’s game, the teams play again Saturday and Sunday at Citi Field. Boston then hosts Tampa Bay for a four-game series beginning July 17. The Mets travel to Philadelphia for a three-game set starting July 17.