John Smoltz pitched well in his last start, but a rain delay and epic comeback ruined his chance to get his first win in a Red Sox uniform. Tonight he'll get another chance as he chances A's youngster Brett Anderson. Anderson has been solid for the A's this season, and was good last time out as he went 5 1/3 innings against Detroit allowing only 1 run while striking out 7. He throws hard (around 97 MPH), but at times can struggle with his control (4 walks last time out). Boston will need to be patient at the plate, and make this kid prove he can throw strikes. The good news is that Boston is near the top of the AL with a .278 batting average against lefties.
This will be Smoltz 3rd game for the Sox. He improved from his first start to the 2nd, so the Sox hope that he will continue his progress. The A's are not a great hitting team, so Smoltz really should have a good game tonight. Smoltz is 1-0 with a save and a 2.61 ERA in three career games against Oakland. In his only start against the Athletics on June 11, 2005, he gave up three runs and five hits in a complete-game victory.
Game starts at 7:10 on NESN.
***UPDATE***
First baseman/outfielder Aaron Bates at Fenway Park. Bates, a third round pick for the Red Sox in 2006, will play first base and bat ninth for the Red Sox tonight. Jeff Bailey, who rolled his left ankle Saturday in a collision at first base, will likely be placed on the DL.
Here is the rest of the lineup...
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkils, 3B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Rocco Baldelli, RF
8. Nick Green, SS
9. Aaron Bates, 1B
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