How the Yankees have fared in their last five first series' against the Red Sox

For the first time in 2021, the Yankees and Red Sox will match up over the weekend. How does history suggest the Bombers will fair?

In perhaps the biggest Yankees Red Sox series since the 2018 ALDS, baseball’s best rivalry will return to the Bronx Friday for the first time in 2021 and for the first time in front of fans since 2019.

After down years from the Red Sox in 2019 and 2020, this weekend figures to be far more competitive.

The Red Sox enter play second in the AL East with a 33-23 record while the Yankees are in third at 31-26.

How have the Yankees fared against the arch-rival Red Sox in their last five first head-to-head series of the season? Here’s a look back.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz celebrates his two-run home run as New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann waits during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park on Friday, April 29, 2016, in Boston. The Red Sox won 4-2. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

2016: Swept at Fenway

Season Series Final: Boston 11, New York, 8

The month of April 2016 was an abomination for the New York Yankees and the Red Sox helped deliver the final gut punch. New York traveled to Boston for a three-game series from April 29-May 1 with a 8-13 record and left with an 8-16 record as they swept aside at Fenway.