Game 22: Yankees at Red Sox - Boston, Lackey look to avoid second straight series loss to rival Yanks

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

With 140 games remaining in the season, it's tough to say things are already starting to fall apart. But the Boston Red Sox are seeing unfortunate circumstances unfold right before their eyes. Another loss to the New York Yankees Tuesday, their fourth in five games, put Boston further into the AL East cellar.

That's not to say all hope is lost. Again, it is very early and a full, healthy team has yet to hit the field. Plus, the Sox are just 3.5 games behind New York and can make up two games with two wins in the next couple of nights. That begins with John Lackey on the mound, who will try to avenge a four-homer game in the Bronx nearly two weeks ago. Lackey has been Jekyll and Hyde in his first four starts this year. He gave up three runs on eight hits combined in the first two outings and 12 runs on 20 hits - six and 10 each, respectively - in the last two. His ERA jumped from 1.38 to 5.25 in those two starts and his record evened at 2-2.

He looks to break that two-loss streak and give himself and the Red Sox a boost. Here's the Red Sox (9-12) lineup tonight (first pitch - 7:10 pm ET):

1) Sizemore, RF
2) Pedroia, 2B
3) Ortiz, DH
4) Napoli, 1B
5) Carp, LF
6) Pierzynski, C
7) Bogaerts, SS
8) Holt, 3B
9) Bradley Jr., CF

Lackey, P

Michael Pineda makes his second start for New York (12-8) against the Red Sox. Controversy was abound in the first meeting. Multiple TV angle showed a dark brown, pine tar-looking substance on his pitching hand and glove wrist. Nothing was made of that, other than some words from the media, and Pineda held Boston to one run on four hits with seven strikeouts in six innings.

Capuano streak alive
Chris Capuano extended his scoreless innings streak this season to 13 innings over nine outings with another shutout appearance Tuesday. His streak dates back to 2013 with another 6 2/3 innings, for a total of 19 2/3 scoreless innings.

Keeping it close
Through 21 games, the Red Sox have seen more than half (12) result in a game decided by two runs or less. The Red Sox have a winning record, 7-5, in those contests.

Papi ties all-time DH record
This nugget courtesy of Red Sox Manager, Media Relations and Baseball Information Mr. Jon Shestakofsky - Tonight will be David Ortiz's 1,643rd career game as a designated hitter, tying Harold Baines for the all-time record at the position.

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