Red Sox vs. Athletics lineups: Sox go in search of a winning streak

If you've read much on this site of late, you won't be surprised to hear me say that Justin Masterson is not exactly the ideal guy for the Red Sox to have on the mound tonight as they go for said streak. Even after allowing four runs in four innings in a six-walk debacle last time out, Masterson's last four starts have produced a decent 4.09 ERA. But the underlying issues remain the same, and it's hard to imagine his combination of an 87 MPH fastball and a wild frisbee slider keeping runs off the board on any given night. Particularly one which will see him facing seven left-handed (or switch) hitters.

On the bright side, Drew Pomeranz hasn't given opposing hitters much to fear since his days as a top prospect, the Athletics bullpen is always vulnerable, and even if Masterson isn't exactly reliable, he's still at least capable of having a good day when the slider is under control. That three-plus game streak--something the Red Sox haven't seen since April 9th through 11th--is within reach.

First pitch is at 10:05 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.