The Boston Red Sox will look to improve to 17-18 as they take on the Minnesota Twins in the series finale of the two's four game set. The Red Sox currently lead the series 2-1, and will look for their first series victory since sweeping the Angels back on April 24.
The Red Sox will send out Josh Beckett, who is coming off a shortened outing against the Angels last week in the marathon, rain-delayed loss in the 13th inning. Beckett pitched four and a third innings of shutout ball, only allowing one hit and three walks. Beckett is a career 3-1 against the Twins with a 3.81 ERA.
Beckett will be opposed by Nick Blackburn, who will be replacing the not-hit kid Francisco Liriano who is battling the flu. Blackburn is coming off his best outing of the season against the White Sox. Blackburn pitched six and two third innings, giving four hits and giving up one earned run. Blackburn is an overall 2-1 against Boston with a 4.79 ERA. Here's the lineup that Blackburn will have to face:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jason Varitek, C
T.V.: ESPN, NESN
Radio: WRKO 680 AM
Go Celtics and Sox!