Game 9: Rangers at Red Sox - Rubber game pivotal before heading to the Bronx

Ben Whitehead
Contributing Writer

There was a good sign out of Boston's 10-7 loss to Texas: The Red Sox got down by eight runs and kept chipping away at the Rangers bullpen. Although the end result didn't conclude with a "W," the fact is this team has shown an early season mindset to never give up.

With Game 3 set at the rubber game between Boston and Texas, it's another test to prep the Red Sox for later down the road. Jake Peavy has the honors this time around and looks to build on the success from his first start. Although he didn't pick up a win, Peavy gave Boston six solid innings of two-run ball against Milwaukee. Peavy mentioned several times in the offseason how he wants to treat this as a special year because you never know when it may be your last. We'll see how he does against the big bats of Texas in the series finale this afternoon. We'll also find out if the Sox can pick up some momentum before heading to New York for a four-game set with the Yankees starting Thursday.

Here's the Red Sox lineup for the rubber game (first pitch - 4:05 pm ET):

1) Gomes, LF
2) Pedroia, 2B
3) Ortiz, DH
4) Napoli, 1B
5) Bogaerts, SS
6) Nava, RF
7) Roberts, 3B
8) Ross, C
9) Bradley Jr., CF

Peavy, P

Another lefty is on the bump for the Rangers, as Robbie Ross makes his second start of the year. He struck out seven in five innings against Philadelphia, while allowing three runs (two earned) in a no-decision. The Phillies batted .333 against him, so despite the strikeouts, Ross is hittable.

Three's company
For the second straight night, A.J. Pierzynski and Mike Napoli finished with three hits apiece. Grady Sizemore also tallied three hits in Game 2, while Jackie Bradley Jr. went 2-for-4, giving him five hits in the first two games against Texas.

Workman-like attitude
Brandon Workman gave Boston four solid innings in relief, giving up just one run. He was sent down after the game to Pawtucket to make room for Craig Breslow on the roster. Breslow is coming off the DL and will provide another lefty in the Sox bullpen. Workman, it was noted, is going to be stretched out to keep him in line with being a starter, not a bullpen guy.

Hitting the road
As previously mentioned, the Red Sox will take a short road trip with stops in New York for four games and Chicago against the White Sox for three.

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