Game 72: Rays at Red Sox - Let's play two!
Contributing Writer
Here’s a bit of advice to the batters tonight: Watch out!
The Boston Red Sox (42-29) and Tampa Bay Rays (36-33) resume their heated rivalry with two games today. What a better way to kick off this three-game series than with a double-header? And after things started to boil last week when John Lackey plunked Matt Joyce, allegedly not happy with Joyce’s home run trot earlier in the game.
Alfredo Aceves has been recalled from Pawtucket to start today’s game. He is 3-1 with a 5.58 ERA this season.
Many of the big names are back in the Boston lineup, including Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino. Here is the batting order for the Sox (first pitch – 1:05 pm EDT):
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Napoli, 1B
6. Nava, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Middblebrooks, 3B
9. Drew, SS
Aceves, P
Chris Archer makes his fourth appearance for the Rays. He is 1-2 with a 4.80 ERA.
Three in under 48
It will be a quick pit-stop home for the Red Sox, who play three games in less than 48 hours before hitting the road for a four-game series in Detroit. Because of the double-header, the two teams are able to call up a 26th player without sending anyone down. Aceves is the guy for the Red Sox and rookie sensation Will Myers has been called up by the Rays. This will be Myers Major League Debut when/if he steps on the field today.
Rays of sunshine
The Sox have had tremendous success against the Rays this season. Boston is 7-2 against Tampa Bay, with a three-game sweep at Fenway Park already under their belts. The Sox have taken 2 of 3 twice at The Trop and could win the season series with a sweep of this series, and we haven't even hit the All-Star Break yet.
We will have more info after Game 1 of the day-night double-header, prior to Game 2.
Let us know what you think about today’s game by commenting below.
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