Clay Buchholz (1-1) 1.80 ERA vs. C.J. Wilson (0-1) 2.08 ERA
7:10 pm EST Fenway Park
Texas is 2-13 in their last 15 games at Fenway Park after Wednesday night's loss.
The Rangers boast a solid line-up as usual, even without All-Star 2nd baseman Ian Kinsler. Slugger Nelson Cruz is expected to DH in favor of David Murphy in RF tonight. Rangers' Manager/Coke Addict Ron Washington said that Cruz could really use the day off. He left Tuesday's action early after swiping 3 bags against Wakefield, and seems to have a tight hammy. But they still want his bat in there.
On the Boston side, we all know the story. Ortiz has been stinking it up and was finally pinch-hit for the other night by Mike Lowell. Lowell will be the DH against the LHP Wilson tonight.
Here are the lineups.
Texas Rangers
1. Elvis Andrus, SS .286
2. Michael Young, 3B .246
3. Josh Hamilton, LF .250
4. Nelson Cruz, DH .306
5. David Murphy, RF .071
6. Chris Davis, 1B .200
7. Taylor Teagarden, C .000
8. Andres Blanco, 2B .000
9. Julio Borbon, CF .156
Boston Red Sox
1. Marco Scutaro, SS .273
2. J.D. Drew, RF .140
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B .306
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B .250
5. Victor Martinez, C .250
6. Mike Lowell, DH .375
7. Adrian Beltre, 3B .259
8. Darnell McDonald, CF .600
9. Bill Hall, LF .154
Texas lineup without Kinsler is definitely not as impressive. Andres Blanco is a mystery to me, and failed lead-off man Julio Borbon has been mostly a disaster so far in 2010. I think if Bucholz can keep guys off the bags in front of the 3,4,5 hitters the Sox should win this one.
C.J. Wilson is a converted closer, and other than John Smoltz and Derek Lowe that hasn't worked out well historically.
My magic 8 ball says Martinez will homer and Beltre will have a couple RBI. Scutaro will score a couple runs and make a nice web gem. That should be enough behind Buchholz.
Prediction: Red Sox 6 - Rangers 4
Tommy Award: Marco Scutaro
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