You couldn't ask for a better first game of the year, as the Sox were able to capitalize with some late game heroics. Tonight should be no less exciting as Jon Lester takes on A.J. Burnett.
Burnett is a career 5-2 against the Sox with a 4.23 ERA, and Lester is 3-1 with a 3.88 ERA against the Yankees. Burnett had a decent year last year going 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA, but there were problems between him and Posada, and you have to wonder if that will cause any problems this year. Posada, or Pass-oda as they are call him in the NY papers, let up a costly pass ball last game, and you really have to question his defense behind the plate at this point. He makes up for it with his bat, but it still has to be a concern.
Jon Lester looks to help the Sox start 2-0 for the first time since 1999. The young left-hander went 15-8 with a 3.41 ERA while finishing 3rd in the AL with a career-high 225 strikeouts. He was superb in his final six home starts, winning four while posting a 1.93 ERA. Could this be the year that he becomes an "Ace" in the eyes of the rest of the MLB? Well, to start the year with a gem against the Yankees would be a nice start.
The Sox have to feel confident that if they can get Burnett out of the game early that they can destroy this Yankees bullpen. They didn't pitch well last game, and I'm sorry I just don't trust guys like Marte, and Chan Ho Park.
Game starts at 7:10pm on NESN.
Tonight's Lineup:
Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez C
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Beltre 3B
Drew RF
Cameron CF
Scutaro 2B
Pitching: LHP Jon Lester
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