The Boston Red Sox will continue interleague play Friday night as they begin a nine-game road trip in National League Stadiums, starting off in Pittsburgh. Even though they have a reputation around the league as one of the worst teams in baseball, the Pirates are holding their own this season, coming into Friday night's game with a 37-37 record.
On the mound for the Red Sox this evening will be left hander Jon Lester, who will be looking to reach double digits in wins tonight. Lester was denied of win number ten in his last outing against Milwaukee, as he ran into early trouble by allowing three earned runs in the first three innings against a very strong Randy Wolf. Because of NL rules, Lester will also have to pick up a bat tonight, something he doesn't have a whole lot of experience doing. In his career, Lester has never faced the Pirates.
Pittsburgh will counter with a left hander of their own in Paul Maholm, who will be looking for victory number four on the season. In his last outing against Cleveland, Maholm lasted six and a third inning, giving up four earned runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three in an eventual loss. Maholm has never faced the Red Sox in his career.
Because of the NL Rules, The Red Sox will have to forgo the amenity of a designated hitter. In a week of controversy of whether or not we would see Adrian Gonzalez in right field because of David Ortiz, he will instead stay at first base with Ortiz on the bench, ready to pinch-hit in the later going. Because of Ortiz's absence, Darnell McDonald will slide up in the order tonight, batting fifth (why?). In addition to this outrage, Mike Cameron will be batting right behind him in the six hole. Marco Scutaro will make his return to the lineup tonight, batting eighth and playing shortstop. Jon Lester will bat ninth. Here is the full lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Darnell McDonald, LF
6. Mike Cameron, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Marco Scutaro, SS
9. Jon Lester, P
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Go Sox!