Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (78) throws against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Predictions:
Game 1: Red Sox
Game 2: Angels
Game 3: Red Sox
Game 4: Angels
Baseball is a difficult game to predict, but however the games play out, this series should be a draw. Miley will come out of the second-half gate with something to prove and will get the job done.
Porcello will build on the win in his last start but Richards, who has been hot of late, will get the best of this matchup.
E-Rod will outduel Santiago. As long as the Red Sox rookie keeps his composure, his road success will continue. Santiago was not all that dominant against the Red Sox earlier in the season, so if they can get four runs for the game they should be in line for a victory
Monday’s game is hard to call because the pitchers aren’t 100 percent set yet, but if the matchup is between Johnson and Heaney, the Angels will take this one. Heaney has been a hot pitcher of late with four straight excellent starts. Johnson will be sure to be fighting butterflies in his first ever major league game. Heaney had a good start last season (7 IP, one earned run) against the Yankees so he has at least a passing familiarity with the Red Sox’ division. If the Red Sox have lost the first three of this series, don’t be surprised to see Wright start for the Red Sox so as not to put too much pressure on the rookie’s shoulders in a must-win game.
If the Red Sox are to start back to respectability, they need to come out fast from the second half gate and win this series. This will be tough against a hot team, but if they can hold their own against the Angels, they could ride the momentum to take the following series against the Astros who lost their last eight of nine before the break.
Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection for all your Red Sox coverage.