Game 77: Red Sox at Tigers - Hot-hitting Sox face Scherzer (10-0)
Contributing Writer
After splitting the first two games, the Boston Red Sox (45-31) and Detroit Tigers (40-32) tangle in tonight’s Game 3 from Comerica Park. The Sox offense exploded for 10 runs, led by right fielder Shane Victorino, who went 4-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs. Boston’s batters must have thought the same as Red Sox Nation: No lead is safe.
Rookie Allen Webster gets a spot start for Clay Buchholz, who is on the DL for another few more days. Webster had an impressive MLB debut, but struggled in his second start earlier this season before being sent back to Pawtucket. For Boston, he is 0-1 with an 11.74 ERA.
Here is tonight’s Red Sox lineup (first pitch – 7:15 pm EDT):
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Carp, 1B
6. Nava, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Drew, SS
9. Iglesias, 3B
Webster, P
Detroit’s Max Scherzer, one of only five 10-game winners and the only pitcher at 10-0, will face the Red Sox tonight. He has a 3.08 ERA and looks to become the first 11-game winner this season and remain unbeaten.
Scherzer not so great against the Sox
Although Scherzer is 10-0 this season and hasn’t lost a decision dating back to Sept. 23, 2012, he has struggled against the Red Sox. In his career, Scherzer is 1-3 with a 9.21 ERA against Boston. No AL pitcher has gone 11-0 to start a season since Roger Clemens in 1997. This bodes well for a hot-hitting offense needing to keep things rolling.
Special guests
The Red Sox boast the American League’s best road record at 22-16 and only trail the Cardinals for the MLB lead. A lot of people felt at the beginning of the season that the Sox had put together quite the group to play at Fenway Park, and Boston has had success at home. But away from Fenway, the Sox have shown their muscle and look to continue that these next two games in Motown.
Let us know what you think about tonight’s game by commenting below.
Like what you read? See more from Ben here.
As always, give me a shout on Twitter: @thebenwhitehead
