The Boston Red Sox will look to extend their lead in the A.L. East and win their fifth straight game as they battle the Detroit Tigers in game three of the two's four game set. Because of yesterday's win, Boston now sits a top of the A.L. East standings; one game ahead of the Yankees. If they win today, they will have won their fourth consecutive series.
The Red Sox will send out right-hander Clay Buchholz against the Tigers this evening. Buchholz is coming off another impressive outing as he went seven and two thirds innings giving up only two earned runs on four hits against the Indians, a game who would have won hadn't been for the bullpen giving up the late lead. In his career, Buchholz is 1-1 with a 2.23 ERA against the Tigers.
Detroit will counter with young left-hander Andrew Oliver, who was just called up from AAA last night to start in place of the injured Phil Coke. Oliver hasn't seen much major league action in his career, as he is 0-4 lifetime with a 7.36 ERA. Oliver has never faced the Red Sox in his young career.
The Boston lineup will be slightly altered today against the lefty Oliver. Carl Crawford, who was batting sixth to this point will slide down to the seven-hole in favor of Jed Lowrie. Meanwhile, Mike Cameron will get the start in right in place of the left-handed hitting Josh Reddick. Since Buchholz will be pitching, Jarrod Saltalamacchia will get the start behind the plate. Here is the rest of the lineup for tonight's game:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Mike Cameron, RF
9. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Andrew Oliver Will Make His 2011 Debut Today, So There Are No Stats To His Credit This Season
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Go Sox!