It has been a long time since I think I can sit back and say I was proud of the Red Sox, but right now even the biggest negative nancy has to be at least a little impressed with the Red Sox current run. Boston has one 9 of it's last 11 games, and is finally back to .500. Yes, I know that they really shouldn't be praised for such a feat, but when you look at a team that is starting an OF of people who aren't even good enough to be AAA players on some teams, plus all the injuries that happened before the year even started (2 SPs, closer, ect) you have feel at least a little better about the team.
The Red Sox have a chance to be just 4 1/2 games back of the Orioles for 1st place in the AL East with a win tonight, and on paper I think there is a damn good chance they get it done. The Orioles have Brian Matusz on the mound and even though he is a lefty this is a guy the Red Sox should feast on.
A closer look at Matusz and you can see he is starting to pitcher better though. In 4 of his last 5 starts he has let up 3 runs or less. This kid has the stuff to be a good pitcher, but his confidence is shaky and I think it's something the Red Sox should be able to take advantage of. In his career against the Red Sox he is 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA. If he lasts past the 5th inning tonight I will be disappointed.
The Red Sox counter with Felix Doubront. He is riding a 4 game winning streak, and has been one of the Red Sox most consistent starters all year long. One thing he really has to start doing better at is his location. His 18.6 pitches per inning rank among the highest in the majors, and as a result he has yet to last longer than 6 1/3 innings in any outing. I don't mind it as much from him or Bard because they are young, but with Buchholz being the worst pitcher ever those guys are going to need to step up and start going deeper into games, so that bullpen doesn't get worn out.
Youk is supposed to return tonight, and the rumor is Gonzo will be seeing more time in the outfield. We will get you the lineup when it comes in.
Red Sox win 9-5
Player of the Game: Pedroia
Game starts at 7:05pm
Red Sox Lineup:
1. Mike Aviles, SS
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Adrian Gonzalez, RF
5. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
6. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Daniel Nava, LF
9. Marlon Byrd, CF
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