Game 159: Red Sox at Rockies - Ellsbury back as Sox try to rebound against Rox


Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

Luckily for the Boston Red Sox, who fell to the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night, the Oakland Athletics did the same, getting blanked by the Angels, 3-0. That keeps Boston in the lead for the American League’s best record, and the all-important home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

There are now just four games remaining in the regular season and the Red Sox (95-63) are trying to regain a little momentum before heading into the postseason. Boston sends Jake Peavy to the mound against Colorado (72-86), which put a Denver beat down on John Lackey and the Sox bullpen a night ago. Peavy has been sensational for Boston, racking up a 3-1 record with a 3.68 ERA. He looks to continue his dominance against former NL West foes tonight.

Here is the lineup for the Red Sox tonight (first pitch – 8:40 pm EDT):

1. Ellsbury, CF
2. Victorino, RF
3. Pedroia, 2B
4. Ortiz, 1B
5. Nava, LF
6. Saltalamacchia, C
7. Drew, SS
8. Middlebrooks, 3B
9. Peavy, P

Boston will face righty Jhoulys Chacin, who comes in 14-9 with a 3.21 ERA this year.

Nice to have ya back!
Jacoby Ellsbury makes his return to the Boston lineup. Ellsbury suffered a fracture in his right foot that he and doctors feel has healed on its own. Ellsbury is a catalyst at the top of the lineup for Boston and manager John Farrell certainly wanted to make sure Ellsbury sees the field plenty before the playoffs start.

Let us know what you think about tonight’s game by commenting below.

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