After defeating the Seattle Mariners 7-4 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday, the Boston Red Sox look to close out the series and sweep the Mariners at Fenway Park this afternoon. With their win and a Yankee loss yesterday, the Sox increased their lead in the AL East standings to three games heading into Sunday.
Taking the mound for the Red Sox will be Tim Wakefield, who will be looking win number six on the season and win number 199 on his career. Wakefield could not accomplish this feat last time in Baltimore, as he only lasted four and two thirds innings while giving up three earned runs in a no-decision. Wakefield's career numbers against the Mariners aren't all that great, as he's 4-10 with a 4.08 ERA against them lifetime. Hopefully Wake can get 199 today, and push him closer to big 200.
Wakefield will be opposed by AL Rookie of the Year candidate Michael Pineda, who will be looking for win number nine on the season. In his last start in Toronto, Pineda struggled as he gave up five earned runs over six and a third innings. The young Dominican phenom has never faced Boston in his career.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia will make his return to the lineup this afternoon as he will catch Wakefield and bat eighth. In front of him, Josh Reddick will get another start in right field. It's worth noting the Sox seem to be more comfortable letting Reddick play, which could mean they are purely focused on pitching at the trade deadline. Here's the rest of the lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Carl Crawford, LF
7. Josh Reddick, RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
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Go Sox!