Game 61 Preview: Red Sox at Orioles



Yesterday, I mentioned that roughly 39% of Sox games this year have seen the offense produce two runs or less and after last night, it's an even 40%. The Red Sox haven't been able to carry any momentum after their sweep of the A's over the past weekend and tonight they will look to avoid being swept for the third time this season and lose more ground in the AL East. Wade Miley (5-5 4.67) has pitched much better since the beginning of the season, in which he started 1-4 with a 6.91 ERA, but has gone 4-1 since then with a 2.73 ERA. The O's will have Chris Tillman (3-7 5.61) who has struggled mightily this year and snapped a 7 start winless streak last week.

David Ortiz is back in the lineup tonight, batting 4th, but has had very little success against Tillman, going 6-30 over his career. Ortiz has been in a season long slump, currently hitting just .219, 64 points below his career average and is only on pace to hit 16 homers which would be the lowest total since his first full season in the majors back in 2000.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup:

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

Quick Hits:

- The O's have now won 4 straight series against the Sox
- The Red Sox are now 2-26 when trailing after 7 innings
- Rick Porcello has now lost 4 straight starts and has given up 5 or more runs in three of those starts

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