After 5 long games, the Red Sox pitching staff finally combined to shut-down their opponent. In an AL East preview, the Red Sox took down a split-squad Orioles team 6-0 behind an incredible performance by the veteran Tim Wakefield. He finished the day throwing 5 innings allowing 0 ER’s on just 2 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 3. As all the Red Sox starters have been doing this week, Wake threw 65 pitches to stretch his stamina in preparation for the regular season.
Offensively, the Red Sox looked strong. Kevin Youkilis and Marco Scutaro both hit their first Spring homeruns, proving to everyone that the starters are beginning to get their mojo back. Scutaro is not normally a power hitter, but many believe will be able to hit 10 or more homeruns in the friendly confines of Fenway Park this season. Both hitters will be in the lineup against the Houston Astros this afternoon at City of Palms, while starters J.D. Drew and Adrian Beltre head over to Dunedin, FL to take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
The pitching lineup for the Sox against the Astros is filled with familiar faces. Jon Lester will start, looking to increase his pitch count and fine tune his repertoire for opening day. He will be followed by Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Ramon Ramirez and Daniel Bard, all of which will start the year with the Sox. Young talent Felix Doubront will get the start against the Blue Jays, as he looks to continue is Spring scoreless success.
Below are the Red Sox lineups for both games this afternoon.
Today’s Lineups – both games at 1:05 (lineups courtesy of Boston.com)
vs. Astros
Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Varitek C
Lowell 3B
Cameron CF
Hermida RF
Scutaro SS
Pitching: LHP Jon Lester followed by RHP Jonathan Papelbon, LHP Hideki Okajima, RHP Ramon Ramirez, RHP Daniel Bard.
at Blue Jays
Hall LF
Reddick CF
Drew DH
Beltre 3B
Hulett 2B
Iglesias SS
Bates 1B
Wagner C
Lin RF
Pitching: LHP Felix Doubront.