Game 49 Preview: Red Sox at Rangers



The Red Sox youth was on full display last night in Texas as the Sox bounced back after losing three in a row to win 5-1 against the Rangers. The star attraction was Eduardo Rodriguez, who made his first start of his big league career and went 7.2 innings, giving up 3 hits, no runs and 7 strike outs. He gave the rotation a big time boost going forward and there's no decision if he will be making his next start for the Red Sox or the Paw Sox. The Sox also got some great contributions from rookies Mookie Betts (3-5, triple and RBI) and possibly Blake Swihart's best game so far (2-4, 2 RBI's) and called a great game behind the plate.



But as the season has been through the first 48 games, the Sox look to build some type of momentum after a victory and will rely on Steven Wright (2-1 3.68).

They will be facing Yovani Gallardo (4-6 4.13) once again after they beat him early this month at Fenway 4-3. In just a small sample size, David Ortiz, Mike Napoli and Dustin Pedroia have all homered against him in their careers. The Rangers are a dismal 6-14 at home this season and have now lost two in a row after a 7 game winning streak brought them back into the middle of the pack of the AL West. They have yet to win a series at home this season.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup:

Pedroia (2B)
Betts (CF)
Sandoval (3B)
Ramirez (DH)
Napoli (1B)
Holt (LF)
Bogaerts (SS)
Swihart (C)
Castillo (RF)

Quick Hits:

- Xander Bogaerts left last night's game after being hit in the forearm, but has been cleared to play tonight
- Dustin Pedroia is on an 8 game hitting streak, batting .424

Have a question for Mike during the game or whenever a baseball discussion is going on, reach out via Twitter: @86flynn
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