WILL LINEUP INCLUDING CARP AND ROSS LEAD TO RUNS AND A VICTORY?

Last night was not a good night for Boston sports teams.  The Red Sox continued to struggle with runners on base (left 12) and playing at home (2-5).  While the team did score more runs (4) than they are averaging per game (3.53), Lackey struggled on the mound.  With today's game having a starting time of 1:35, there is not time to stew on that loss.  Instead the team needs to get right back out there and give Felix Doubront some run support early on.  Loading the ba

So far this season Doubront has a 6.25 ERA and a 1-2 record.  His one victory did come earlier this year against Baltimore when he went 5.1 innings and gave up 6 hits and 3 earned runs.  Bud Norris will be on the mound for the Orioles today.  Norris has started on his season with a 3.75 ERA over two games.  His last start came against Toronto where he last 7 innings and gave up 5 hits, 3 walks and 0 runs. 

Looking at both teams' projected lineups and their history against the opposing pitcher, I'd say the Red Sox have a slight,and I mean slight, advantage.  Of course this advantage is just based on paper and we all know the game is played out in the field.  The Red Sox have 2 part time players who have good numbers against Norris.  While the sample size is almost microscopic, the fact that John Farrell has both players in today's lineup does give me hope for some timely hits and runs.  The part time players who will be starting today are David Ross (2 for 3 with 1 hr) and Mike Carp (2 for 2 with 1 double).  Daniel Nava (2 for 6 with 1 double) and Dustin Pedroia (1 for 4 with 1 double) have also had success in their limited at bats against Norris.

While the Orioles have seen a lot more of Doubront and have collectively hit .297 against him, the fact that they are still without Manny Machado in their lineup makes me breath a little easier.  

Red Sox Lineup

1. Sizemore RF
2. Pedroia 2nd
3. Ortiz DH
4. Napoli 1st
5. Carp LF
6. Ross C
7. Holt 3B
8. Herrera SS
9. Bradley CF

FYI Shane Victorino will begin rehabbing today in triple A.  The Red Sox are still leading the way with hitting into 19 double plays.  According to www.teamrankings.com the team has grounded into 1.12 per game and 1.86 at home.  The other category they are unfortunately kicking butt in is left on base.  Current numbers are 16.88 per game, 23.67 in last 3 games, and 17.43 at home. 

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