I didn't think I would be saying this for another 2-3 years, but tonight Junichi Tazawa (and his Japanese mullet) is on the hill tonight for the Sox. He will be facing one of the best young pitchers in the game (Rick Porcello).
After the Smoltz implosion, Wake and Dice-K on the DL, and Bowden sucking it up in the minor, the Sox ran out of options so Tazawa gets the start. Tazawa went 9-7 with a 2.55 ERA in 20 minor league starts this season. He let up a run in an extra inning game for the Sox, but I can't hold that against him. So, how will he do tonight? Who knows, but I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if he does well, because it always seems like hitters take awhile to adjust to Asian pitchers.
Though Porcello gave up three runs in 4 1-3 innings to take the loss as the Tigers fell 5-1 to Boston on June 2, but the right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last two starts overall. He has nasty stuff, and will be a centerpiece for this Tigers team for years to come.
The Sox need to keep their bats going, because hanging Tazawa out to dry by only scoring 1-2 runs is just not going to get it done. The good news is Bay went deep last game, and even J.D. Drew is hot against the Tigers (5 for 12).
***UPDATE***
Mike Lowell is again out of the lineup, with Victor Martinez starting at first base and Jason Varitek behind the plate.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Nick Green, SS
Game starts at 7:10 on NESN.
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