Game 113: Diamondbacks at Red Sox - Doubront seeks rubber game win
Contributing Writer
Jake Peavy was outstanding in his Red Sox debut and Sox Nation would love nothing more than to see that kind of performance every time out. Peavy went seven-plus innings, striking out seven and allowing two runs on four hits, earning his first win in a Red Sox uniform. He received a loud standing ovation when he was taken out of the game and thanked the fans for their welcoming spirit.
Because of Peavy’s win, Boston (67-45) has a chance to win the series in the Sunday afternoon finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks (56-54). Felix Doubront will be presented that task, taking the ball today. Doubront is 7-5 with a 3.77 ERA this year. He is 0-2 in his last two starts, both against David Price and the Tampa Bay Rays. Doubront pitched well enough in both games and kept the Red Sox within striking distance, but the bats were silent against Price. The Red Sox hope that’s not the case against today.
Here is the Red Sox lineup for this afternoon’s game (first pitch – 1:35 pm EDT):
1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, DH
5. Napoli, 1B
6. Carp, LF
7. Saltalamacchia, C
8. Drew, SS
9. Holt, 3B
Doubront, P
The Red Sox will be facing right-hander Brandon McCarthy, who is coming off the DL for the first time since June 1. McCarthy was listed on the DL with shoulder inflammation and made two rehab appearances, most recently for Triple-A Reno last Friday. He is 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA in 11 games.
Streaking Ells sparks Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury enjoys Interleague play more than most. In the Red Sox 11 Interleague games this season, Ellsbury is batting .458, hitting safely in all 11 games. Dating to last season, he has hit safely in 14 straight games against opponents from the National League. He is currently riding a nine-game hitting streak, during which he is batting .317. On top of his hot hitting, Ellsbury stole his 40th base Saturday night and continues to show Red Sox ownership why they should resign him this coming offseason.
More hitting streaks
Two more Red Sox are currently streaking as well. David Ortiz has hit safely in seven straight games, batting .300 during the span, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia is riding a six-game streak while hitting .333.
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