The Sox go for the sweep against the Nationals tonight, but that isn't why people will be watching the game tonight. The real is that Red Sox fans have been waiting to see Smoltz since they signed him this offseason. Well the wait is over, but the question of if he has anything left is still in the air.
Smoltz has enjoyed great success against the Nationals, and really there can't be a better team to get your first start against then this bunch of scrubs. Since the beginning of the 2007 season, he is 4-3 with a 1.77 ERA in seven starts against the Nationals, striking out 45 in 45 2/3 innings. Smoltz will be on a limited pitch count of 85-90 pitches. So what are my expectations...I expect 5 solid innings from Smoltz tonight. I still think he will be rusty and will get up 2-3 runs, but overall I do expect him to have a good outing.
On the other side of things Jordan Zimmermann will be starting for the Nationals. His number aren't good, 2-3 with a 5.03 ERA, but over his last 3 starts he has let up only 4 runs. Still, the Sox should be able to chase him out of the game by the 6th inning, and the Nationals bullpen is just terrible.
Game starts at 7:05 NESN.
***UPDATE***
Lineups are in. With all the attention on Smoltz some people might not notice that the Sox decided to hit Ortiz at cleanup, since it is Youk's turn to take a seat. Here is the rest of the lineup....
1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. J.D. Drew, RF
3. Jason Bay, LF
4. David Ortiz, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
8. Nick Green, SS
9. John Smoltz, RHP
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