clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Red Sox vs. Orioles: Shane Victorino sits as Sox give it one more try

Shane Victorino will sit out as the Red Sox try to dodge a sweep at the hands of the Orioles.

By Ben Buchanan
Winslow Townson

The Red Sox will be without Shane Victorino as they try to secure a playoff spot once-and-for-all, and avoid a sweep at the hands of the Orioles.

Boston Red Sox (92-61)

  1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
  2. Daniel Nava, RF
  3. David Ortiz, DH
  4. Mike Napoli, 1B
  5. Mike Carp, LF
  6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
  7. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
  8. Stephen Drew, SS
  9. Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Starting Pitcher -- John Lackey

Baltimore Orioles (81-70)

  1. Nate McLouth, LF
  2. Manny Machado, 3B
  3. Chris Davis, 1B
  4. Adam Jones, CF
  5. Nick Markakis, RF
  6. Danny Valencia, DH
  7. Matt Wieters, C
  8. J.J. Hardy, SS
  9. Brian Roberts, 2B

Starting Pitcher -- Chris Tillman

So this series hasn't been nearly so fun as all the other ones from the past month. We knew, of course, that the Red Sox would eventually have to lose 2-of-3, but the extra-inning mess that was Wednesday night's game really adds back all the sting that the whole "magic numbers of one and three" takes away from most losses.

Still, all the Red Sox need to do to really celebrate tonight is take one of three. But that's easier said than done since Chris Tillman has really done a number on them all year long and John Lackey has not quite been at his best of late (even if his four runs last time out are very misleading). A sweep here is not the end of the world by any means, but it would certainly be discouraging, and send at least a few less-settled individuals, particularly in the media, running towards the hills shouting doomsday prophecies.

And we really just don't need that. Ever.

Read more Red Sox:

More From Over the Monster