The Boston Red Sox look to continue their hot play as they go for four in a row tonight against the Detroit Tigers in game two of their four-game series. In their last two games, the Red Sox have batted .419 with 28 runs scored including 17 extra base hits. After a frustrating April, it appears this group has figured it out.
Boston will send out knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to the mound to face the Tigers. Wakefield last pitched on Sunday night against the Cubs, when he turned in a memorable performance; going six innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits. In his career, Wakefield is 16-10 with a 4.25 ERA against Detroit.
Detroit will counter with young right-hander Rick Porcello, who will look to pick up his fifth win of the season. In his last outing, Porcello turned in eight innings of one-hit ball against the Pirates last Sunday. Porcello has only faced the Red Sox twice in his career, one of those times came back in 2009 when he and third baseman Kevin Youkilis got into a scuffle after Youk was hit by a pitch and charged the mound. It should certainly be an interesting AB to watch.
Manager Terry Francona has decided to keep Carl Crawford right where he is, as he will be batting sixth for tonight's game. Meanwhile, J.D. Drew is still battling a strained hamstring, so Josh Reddick will get the start in right field. Jed Lowrie is back in the lineup after a day off yesterday. Since it's a Tim Wakefield day, Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be behind the plate for the Red Sox. Here is the full lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Carl Crawford, LF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Josh Reddick, RF
9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
T.V.: NESN
Radio: WEEI 850 AM
Go Sox and Bruins!