Game 73: Rays at Red Sox - Double dippah
Contributing Writer
Good start to the double-header, as the Boston Red Sox (43-29) took down the Tampa Bay Rays (36-34) after a slight rain delay, 5-1. Alfredo Aceves did his job, going five innings and picking up the win to improve to 4-1 this season, mostly in spot starts.
Now, the Red Sox turn to Felix Doubront to sweep the twin bill. Doubront is 4-3 with a 4.91 ERA and has showed some inconsistencies in his recent outings.
Here is the lineup for Game 2 of the double header (first pitch – 8:05 pm EDT):
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Nava, 1B
6. Gomes, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Drew, SS
9. Iglesias, 3B
Doubront, P
The Rays send rookie Jake Odorizzi to the bump. Odorizzi is 0-0 with an 8.03 ERA.
Getting started at the top
Boston’s first five hitters provided all the offense this afternoon, getting all eight hits and scoring/driving in all five runs. Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-5 with a triple and three runs scored. Shane Victorino scored the other two runs and went 2-for-4, also with a triple. David Ortiz drove in three runs. Batters six through nine in the Sox lineup went a combined 0-for-13. A win is a win, but the Sox need the bottom of the order to produce. On the flip side, there have been plenty of times where the bottom does produce and the top is lacking. So there is some give and take there, but a more consistent approach would be nice.
At worst…
With a win tonight, the Red Sox will guarantee themselves at least a .500 record against the Rays this season. They would pick up their ninth win (18 games total). Any win is nice, but a win against an AL East opponent is that much better.
Let us know what you think about tonight’s game by commenting below.
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