After completing a nine-game National League road trip with a record of 5-4, the Boston Red Sox head back home to Fenway Park to open up a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays. In case you didn't notice, today is July 4, so happy Independence Day from all of us here at OTM. Now for some afternoon baseball.
Taking the hill for the Red Sox will be John Lackey, who will be looking for win number six on the season. In his last outing against the Phillies, Lackey pitched seven and two thirds innings, giving up two earned runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out five. Despite his strong performance on the mound, Lackey was not supported by his offense, and lost the game because of it. He is a career 5-6 with a 5.12 ERA against Toronto.
Opposing Lackey will be right hander Brandon Morrow, who is looking for victory number five on the season. In his last outing against the Pirates, Morrow pitched seven strong innings, giving up only one run and struck out 10 batters. Morrow has struggled against the Sox in his career. He's a career 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in 12 career starts.
Since we're back at Fenway, we can now utilize both David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez in the lineup, without shaking things up defensively. Ortiz will be the designated hitter while Gonzalez will be at first base tonight. Josh Reddick will be in left field this afternoon with the right hander on the mound. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be catching Lackey, batting seventh. Here is the full lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Josh Reddick, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. J.D. Drew, RF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
T.V.: NESN, MLB Network
Radio: WEEI 850 AM
Happy Fourth guys! Go Sox!