After taking the first two games of their three-game series with the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox look to complete the sweep of their arch-rivals with their sixth victory in a row. With it, Boston would both improve to 8-1 vs. New York this season and increase their lead in the A.L. East to two games.
On the mound for Boston will be right-hander Josh Beckett, who will be looking for win number five on the season and win number three against the Yankees. In his last outing on June 4 against the A's, Beckett pitched six innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits while fanning four in a no-decision. In two starts against New York this season, Beckett is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Beckett's two prior starts both came when facing tonight's Yankee starter: C.C. Sabathia.
Sabathia will take the mound for the bombers this evening, looking for win number eight on the year and win number one against the Red Sox. Sabathia last pitched back on June 4, nearly tossing a complete game shutout against the Angels. Despite his success this season, two of his three losses have come against Josh Beckett and the Red Sox. His numbers against the Red Sox this year: 0-2 with a 5.11 ERA.
The Red Sox will be without second baseman Dustin Pedroia tonight, who had to leave the team to get his right knee examined. Taking his place in the lineup and the field will be Marco Scutaro, who has started the past two games at shortstop. Jed Lowrie will make his return to the lineup, batting sixth. Mike Cameron will be getting the start in right facing the left handed Sabathia. Also since it's a Josh Beckett day, Jason Varitek will be behind the place for two consecutive days, batting ninth. Here is the full lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Marco Scutaro, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Mike Cameron, RF
9. Jason Varitek, C
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Go Sox!