Red Sox vs. Giants: Xander Bogaerts, David Ross bring up the rear

Xander Bogaerts and David Ross will bat seventh and eigth respectively as the Red Sox try to clinch the series win against Ryan Vogelsong and the Giants.

Boston Red Sox (74-53)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Mike Carp, 1B
5. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
6. Daniel Nava, LF
7. Xander Bogaerts, SS
8. David Ross, C
9. Jake Peavy, P

San Francisco Giants (55-69)

1. Gregor Blanco, CF
2. Marco Scutaro, 2B
3. Brandon Belt, 1B
4. Buster Posey, C
5. Hunter Pence, RF
6. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
7. Roger Kieschnick, LF
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
9. Ryan Vogelsong, P

Oh, right, did I mention the lineup is a complete mess tonight? That's what happens with a pitcher in the lineup and Ortiz sitting out. Carp - Middlebrooks four and five? I know Will is looking better right now, but woah, that's a lot to take conceptually. This almost looks like a 2012 batting order.

Just, y'know, with some chance of success. Xander is of course exciting in his own right, but it's also nice to have good ol' David Ross back behind the plate. Toss in a Peavy vs. Vogelson matchup, and this looks like a mini-storm that can be weathered.

It won't hurt that Xander can hit grand slams with nobody on base.

Read more Red Sox:

• Is Henry Owens the best Red Sox' prospect in the minors?
• Red Sox' second-half offense down, but not out
• Revisiting the Peavy trade after Iglesias' miracle
• A healthy Stephen Drew having stellar second half for Red Sox
• Do the Red Sox need an ace to contend?