After defeating the Orioles yesterday 10-4, the Boston Red Sox will look to win their fourth straight game this evening as they take on Baltimore once again in game number two of a four game series. Thanks to a loss to the Yankees yesterday, the Red Sox recaptured first place in the AL East.
In search of more of a cushion in the standings, the Red Sox will send out their unquestioned ace this season, as All-Star Josh Beckett will take the ball in search of win number eight on the year. Beckett last pitched in Houston on July 3, where he recorded eight innings of work, giving up only one earned run on five hits while striking out 11 Astro hitters. In his career against the Orioles, Beckett is 6-3 with a 3.68 ERA.
The Orioles will counter with rookie left-hander Zach Britton, who is looking for his seventh win on the year. In his last start against the Braves, Britton pitched five innings while giving up three earned runs on six hits (A game I went to see with my Father for his birthday). The Red Sox saw the rookie earlier this season, but he got the best of them, giving up only one earned run in six innings of work.
With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, the Red Sox lineup will once again be weak at hitters 6-9. For one, Darnell McDonald will be in right field this evening, batting eighth (at least he's not batting fifth like last week). Jason Varitek will be catching tonight, and batting sixth. Yamaico Navarro will get his first appearance in left field for the Red Sox this evening, batting ninth. 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. Jason Varitek, C
7. Marco Scutaro, SS
8. Darnell McDonald, RF
9. Yamaico Navarro, LF
T.V.: NESN
Radio: WEEI 850 AM
Go Sox!