Who's ready for some late night Red Sox?
Winners of three straight, the Sox head into Oakland looking to keep things rolling against some pitchers who they just plain don't hit well. To try and counter that, Terry Francona is relying on a few reserves, stacking the lineup with righties:
1. Jed Lowrie, SS
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Cameron, RF
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Darnell McDonald, CF
A bit odd that by far the worst defender in the outfield will be playing center, but hopefully the range of the other two can lift Mr. McDonald.
The A's counter with a lineup even more Mendoza-y than ours was a few days ago:
1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. David DeJesus, RF
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Kurt Suzuki, C
7. Mark Ellis, 2B
8. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
9. Cliff Pennington, SS
Of course, at this point, even Mendoza himself seems likely enough to hit the man the Red Sox send out to start tonight: John Lackey--on 10 days of rest no less.
The A's counter with Brett Anderson, also known as "The only starter to never ever allow Red Sox on base ever."
Will the Red Sox turn the tide on Anderson? Can they keep their win streak alive? Will John Lackey finally manage a quality start?
It'd be nice.
Go Sox!