After being shutout by Cliff Lee, the Boston Red Sox look to regroup and try and bounce back against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second game of their three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Josh Beckett was charged with five runs and the Red Sox offense was held scoreless the entire night, something needs to change.
The Red Sox will turn to veteran right hander John Lackey, who will be looking to bounce back from an ugly outing and get back to .500 at 6-6. In his last outing against the Padres, Lackey has unable to get out of the fourth inning, as he pitched three and third innings, giving up five earned runs on four hits while walking and striking out four batters. While he isn't the ideal person turn to to get back in this series, he won't have to face either Lee, Roy Halladay, or Cole Hamels Wednesday night.
The Phillies will instead send out young right hander Vance Worley, who will be looking for third win on the season. Worley last piched against the Athletics on June 24, as he had turned in six strong innings of shutout ball, giving up only one hit. With Hamels going tomorrow, this may be the game the Red Sox offense should take advantage of. Tonight, they will have both David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez tonight.
After days of head banging and agonizing about it, manager Terry Francona has decided to start David Ortiz at first base this evening and shift Adrian Gonzalez to right field. There is more good news tonight as Josh Reddick will get the start in left field this evening, which means no Darnell McDonald or Mike Cameron this evening. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the far better offensive catcher will also be present in the lineup, catching Lackey. Here is the full lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, RF
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, 1B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
7. Josh Reddick, LF
8. Marco Scutaro, SS
9. John Lackey, SP
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Go Sox!