LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game interleague series Friday night at Dodger Stadium, with both clubs in contrasting positions but with playoff aspirations intact.

Boston (56-51) arrives having taken two of three from in a tightly contested set, capped by a 4-2 victory in 10 innings Wednesday. The Red Sox sit near the fringes of the American League wild-card race, bolstered by a rotation that has received consistent innings from left-hander Patrick Sandoval. Sandoval, who is expected to start Friday, has won his last four decisions, including a five-inning, two-earned-run outing Wednesday against the Athletics. Over his past four starts spanning 19 innings, Sandoval has allowed seven earned runs with 20 strikeouts.

Los Angeles (68-40) holds the best record in the National League and enters on a high after taking two of three from Seattle. The Dodgers won Wednesday’s series finale 4-2 behind left-hander Eric Lauer, who tossed six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit with four strikeouts. Lauer, the probable starter Friday, has won three consecutive starts, posting a 3.12 ERA over that stretch. He will look to continue his sharp command against a Boston lineup that has shown moderate pop but inconsistency on the road.

The Dodgers have been particularly strong at home, where they own a 37-18 mark. Boston is 24-30 away from Fenway Park. Los Angeles has won seven of its last 10, while Boston has split its last 10.

Key matchups to watch include Sandoval’s ability to limit damage against a deep Dodgers order that features Andy Pages, who went 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in Wednesday’s win. For Boston, shortstop Andruw Monasterio has been productive, driving in two runs in that contest, including a homer.

The bullpens could also factor prominently. Boston’s Greg Weissert has been effective, striking out two in a scoreless inning Wednesday. Edwin Díaz closed for the Dodgers that same day, though he allowed a run on two hits in his inning.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 Boston victory, suggesting a high-scoring affair.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PDT. The series continues Saturday and Sunday before Boston returns home to face the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers head to Chicago to play the Cubs beginning Monday.