Apr 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher F. Doubront (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox start their three-game home series against the Blue Jays at 20-23 and three games back in the AL East. Toronto is 23-22 and one game back. There are few “must win” series in May, but a victory now would do a lot to get the Sox back on the right track. A sweep would put them back at .500, but even just winning 2-of-3 would make a big difference. After losing the last the four games straight and six of the last ten, starting the series with a win would help break the momentum of losing.
Tonight at 7:10 PM – Felix Doubront (2-3, 4.54 ERA) faces J.A. Happ (2-1, 3.57 ERA). This lefty-lefty match up will test the bats. The Sox and Jays are batting .249 and .242, respectively, against left-handed pitchers. The Jays, however, have seven players with batting averages over . 300 against lefties. The Sox have struggled with offense (Department of the Obvious statement). Can they rise to the challenge now?
Game Two, May 21 at 7:10 PM – Clay Buchholz (2 -3, 6.17 ERA) versus Drew Hutchison (2 -3, 3.64 ERA). Buchholz has been letting up more and more runs; his ERA in the last 30 days is 6.58. The Red Sox have not faced Hutchison yet which does not bode well for any improved offensive performance.
Game Three, May 22 at 4:05 PM – Jon Lester (4-5, 2.67 ERA) takes on Mark Buehrle (7-1, 2.11 ERA). In his last start, Lester pitched well, giving up only one earned run in five innings with seven strikeouts. He earned the loss because of a complete lack of offense. Can he repeat his good performance? The Red Sox gave Buehrle his first loss when they faced him on April 25. Can they do it again?