I'LL BE PEAVED IF RED SOX DON'T DELIVER RUN SUPPORT FOR JAKE

Jake Peavy is having one of those years.  You know, the ones where you pitch lights out and get absolutely no run support from your offense.  In his first 3 starts, Peavy has a

1.93 ERA with batters hitting .179 against him.  In 18 2/3 innings, Peavy has struck out 20 and walked 10.  Of the 4 runs he has given up, 3 were solo shots.  Surely with numbers like that you would think he would at least have a win or 2.  Nope, Peavy currently has a record of 0-0.  I guess having no record is better than getting a loss because of the anemic offense, but still.

Well, tonight is the night where Peavy will get his first win of the 2014 MLB season.  Pitching against Ubaldo Jimenez, Peavy should be able to get the win even if he doesn't bring his "A game".

As typical for the month of April (3 year ERA in April 6.05), Jimenez is off to a rough start.  His best game was his first when he made it through 6 innings against the Red Sox and only gave up 4 runs.  Since then he has been on a downward spiral and has a current ERA of 7.31.

To say Jimenez has struggled against the Red Sox recently would be an understatement if ever there was one.  In his past 3 seasons, Jimenez has had a 12.75 ERA against the Red Sox.  When pitching at Fenway Park things get worse for him as his ERA goes to 14.45. 

Red Sox batters who have hit Jimenez well include Mike Napoli (4/7 2 HR), Xander Bogaerts (1/1 2 BB), Daniel Nava (.375), Dustin Pedroia (.538) and Jonny Gomes (5/15 2 HR).

While it is nice to know that the Red Sox should score some runs off Jimenez, it is even better to know that it is unlikely Peavy will have a let up tonight.  Peavy has a lot of past experiences which lead me to believe he will be lights out once again tonight. 

First of all, Peavy has pitched quite well against the Orioles in the past.  In his past 3 years the Orioles have a .192 average against him and his ERA is 2.57.  Current Oriole players only have a .264 OBP and .190 average against him.

The second reason comes down to the date, time and location of tonight's game.  Peavy's 3 year ERA for April is 2.45.  He pitches better at home than on the road and better at night than during the day. 

With tomorrow's early start it would nice if the Red Sox could save their pen and get to the Orioles' early on. 

If you like what you've read here, share with your friends and follow @BOSsportschick on twitter.