PEDROIA TO THE THREE HOLE WHILE LACKEY TAKES THE MOUND AGAINST THE ORIOLES

The last time the Red Sox returned home on a two game winning streak, the results were awful as they went 2-4.  Tonight they play the Orioles in the first of a 4 game series.  This will be the second time the teams have faced each other this season.  The Red Sox took the last series 2-1 by winning the last two games in Camden Yards. 

While this weekend's games may not have as much bling as Opening Day, there will be several special events going on at Fenway.  If you don't have plans for tomorrow, I'd suggest getting some tickets and heading down early to get your picture taken with your favorite Red Sox player since it is on field picture day at the park. 

John Lackey will be pitching against opening day starter Chris Tillman.  Tillman currently has the second best ERA for all starting pitchers with 0.84.  In his opening day start he gave up 7 hits and 1 run over the course of 5 innings.  His last two starts have been more impressive as he has gone 8 1/3 and 8 innings respectfully.  In those games he has given up a total of 8 hits and 1 earned run.  With a career ERA of 4.13, it is about time Tillman comes back down to earth.  If you remember opening day, you'll recall Tillman got an awful lot of help from Mother Nature knocking potential homerun balls down for outs.  With today's slightly improved weather and the big green wall in the outfield, Tillman is going to need some strikeouts and groundouts.  Fortunately for the Red Sox anemic offense, Tillman has been a fly ball pitcher for all of his career.  Looking at his past performances, the Red Sox should come out swinging in the first inning because his numbers are significantly worse during pitches 1-15. 

After having two strong outings to start the season, Lackey fell apart in his last game in New York.  This will be Lackey's second start against the Orioles this season.  Lackey got the win last time as he went 6 innings giving up 2 runs.  In the past ten years Lackey has gone 14-5 against the Orioles.  A flyball pitcher himself, Lackey will need to keep Adam Jones in the park tonight as Adam has taken him deep t3 times.    

Tonight's Red Sox Lineup

1. Sizemore LF
2. Nava R
3. Pedroia 2B
4. Napoli DH
5. Breslow 1B
6. Bogaerts SS
7. Pierzynski C
8. Bradley Jr. C
9. Holt 3B

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