Game 40 Preview: Rangers at Red Sox

The top of the Red Sox lineup came alive last night in a tight victory over the Rangers and will look to get back to .500 on the season tonight. The Sox will send out Joe Kelly (1-2 5.58) against the Rangers and Phil Klein (0-0 7.71) who will be making his first career major league start. The first four hitters in the Sox lineup last night each recorded 2 hits, with David Ortiz hitting his 6th home run of the season. In his 11 previous games against the Rangers, Ortiz has torched the Rangers; he's hit 5 homers and knocked in 11 runs.

Tonight the lineup for the Sox will be without Pablo Sandoval who was hit in the left knee last night. He is currently day-to-day after X-rays results were negative and the club doesn't think the injury will keep him out of the lineup for too long.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup:

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

Quick Hits:

- The Red Sox are currently averaging only 2.5 runs per game this month, which is last in MLB
- Rangers slugger Prince Fielder has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games
- Joe Kelly is winless since his debut this season
- Dustin Pedroia has reached safely in 23 consecutive games

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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