Game 88: Red Sox at Angels - Something's gotta give
Contributing Writer
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Orange County of California of the United States of America may not be in first place in the AL West, but they are playing like a team that wants to make a playoff push this summer.
In all seriousness, the Angels (41-44) have won eight of their last nine games, including a come-from-behind victory Thursday in which they scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 6-5 and take two out of three from the Cardinals. This weekend, Angel Stadium hosts the top team in the American League, the Boston Red Sox (53-34), who likewise have won eight of nine. The Sox took two from the Angels earlier this season at Fenway Park, splitting a double-header and winning the rubber game.
The Sox send young lefty Felix Doubront to the hill to face C.J. Wilson of the Angels in the first of a 10-game West Coast road trip. Doubront is 4-3 with a 4.22 ERA this season. He is just 2-2 with a 4.69 ERA in road starts and has not won a game since June 1. Doubront took the loss in his previous start against the Angels, going six innings and allowing three earned runs.
Here is the Red Sox lineup for the late start on the East Coast (first pitch – 10:05 pm EDT):
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Napoli, DH
5. Gomes, LF
6. Nava, 1B
7. Snyder, 3B
8. Saltalamacchia, C
9. Iglesias, SS
Doubront, P
Wilson is 8-5 with a 3.63 ERA for LA. He has won four games in a row and has a 2.42 ERA in that span.
Ellsbury streaking
When Jacoby Ellsbury is on, so too are the Red Sox. Ellsbury extended his hit streak to 14 games Thursday against the Padres. He was 3-for-4 with a home run, his second of the season, and three runs scored. The Red Sox are 9-5 during his 14-game streak. Ellsbury is now batting .303 and is over .300 for the first time since April 4.
Pedy enjoys hitting Wilson
Dustin Pedroia has had really good success against Wilson in his career. The Sox second baseman is 8-for-17 with three doubles, a home run and six RBIs against the left-hander. Pedroia went 1-for-2 with a double, walk and RBI against Wilson in a game on June 8 at Fenway.
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
