The Red Sox (63-29) look to win their eighth straight game behind emergency starter Hector Velázquez (6-0, 2.76 ERA) tonight at Fenway Park (7:10 p.m., NESN) against the Rangers (40-52).

About tonight’s game: Velázquez, who has acquitted himself well as a spot-starter over the years, will face down Yovani Gallardo (3-0, 8.17 ERA), who, given his Orioles pedigree, is the living embodiment of team that’s has given up on assembling a top-flight pitching staff. (Sorry, Yo.). At least he won’t have to face world-beater Steve Pearce, who sits after his big homer yesterday. The lineup is mostly back to normal... except Blake Swihart starts at catcher and bats eighth. Whee!

About last night’s game: It wasn’t a bloodbath like it had been against the Royals, but Eduardo Rodriguez was sharp, Steve Pearce hit a 2-run homer and the Sox won their seventh straight game, 5-0. Read Matt’s recap here.

Forecast: 90 degrees at gametime with a 15 percent chance of rain.

Today’s reading: Matt explains why you should vote for Benny.

A good tweet that, for those in fantasy leagues with quality starts, hits home:

LINEUPS