Red Sox Series Preview: Rays’ first 2015 visit to Fenway

Apr 23, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchups

Monday May 4, 7:10 p.m.

Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 2.41)  vs. Clay Buchholz (1-3, 5.76)

• This is Odorizzi’s second start against Boston this year.  On April 23 in Tampa, he dominated the Red Sox, surrendering just three hits and one run, walking three and striking out three in a no-decision.  The Rays have scored just eight runs in his five starts, not more than two in any of them.
• Buchholz’ last start could not have been more disappointing.  Entering the third inning with a 4-0 lead, he inexplicably walked the eighth place hitter and could not get out of the inning.  In 2.2 innings, he allowed six hits, four earned runs, walked one and struck out four.  Considering the way Odorizzi has pitched this year, Buchholz will need to be on his A game for them to have a chance.

Tuesday May 5, 7:10 p.m.

Drew Smyly (0-0, 3.38)  vs. Rick Porcello (2-2, 5.34)

• The left hander Smyly has been sharp in his two starts this season.  In his last start vs. the Yankees, he struck out ten batters while walking just one, allowing just two solo home runs.  On the season, he has walked just one batter, while striking out 15, in his 10.2 innings of work.
• Porcello is coming off perhaps his sharpest start of the season, allowing just two hits and one earned run in seven innings of work against the offensive juggernaut that is Toronto.  This started a run of effective starts by Red Sox starters, he looks to continue on this night.

Wednesday May 6, 7:10 p.m.

Alex Colome (1-0, 0.00) vs. Justin Masterson (2-0, 4.71)

• Colome will be making just his second start of the season.  His first outing was a five inning scoreless start vs. the Orioles.  He allowed just three hits, issued no walks and struck out six batters
• Masterson is coming off a good start off the Yankees on May 1 in which he was leading when he departed the game, 2-1  but the bullpen could not hold the lead.  His final line was six innings pitched, two earned run on six hits, three walks and two strikeouts.  Masterson’s previous start was a seven inning three earned run effort.  He has pitched better than his ERA, allowing more than three runs only once this season.