News
Red Sox hope to make statement in Texas
Boston (65-49) at Texas (64-49), 8:05 p.m. ET
By John Barone / MLB.com
08/13/09 8:33 PM ET
BOSTON -- Few Major Leaguers would suggest -- at least publically -- that revenge is on their mind when they take the field.They say their goal is to win, regardless of the opponent. They say their focus is on execution, no matter the venue.
And yet, it's hard to imagine that last month's three-game sweep at the hands of the Rangers has been completely forgotten by the Red Sox, who return to Texas on Friday for the opener of a key series that features the top two teams in the American League Wild Card standings.
Boston enters Friday clinging to a half-game lead over Texas in the race for the AL's fourth and final playoff spot.
"We're bunched up with a couple teams, but obviously when we play them it's heightened a little," third baseman Mike Lowell said. "It's going to be a good series. We're playing much better baseball than we did last week. Hopefully, we can carry it over into Texas."
Based on the first six meetings between the clubs in 2009, the Rangers have plenty of reasons to feel confident about the weekend matchup -- one of whom is Kevin Millwood, who will take the mound in the opener.
The Texas ace has already tamed Boston's offense twice this season, accounting for two of his team's five victories over the Red Sox, who have mustered just three runs in 13 innings against the veteran right-hander.
In a year when Texas has already made some history against Boston, winning its first series at Fenway Park since 1997 in early June before sweeping the perennial AL East heavyweight just three weeks ago, it's become clear to the Red Sox that these Rangers aren't going away anytime soon.
"I'm sure they're pretty excited about where they are," manager Terry Francona said. "The last time we went down there, we didn't do a very good job. But we're looking forward to this series. It should be fun."
Pitching matchupBOS: LHP Jon Lester (9-7, 3.67 ERA)
Lester has been brilliant of late, despite not having the wins to show for it. He was in position to record victories in each of his past two starts, only to receive no-decisions after the Boston bullpen couldn't hold leads for him. The power lefty allowed a total of two runs in 13 innings against Tampa Bay and New York. In five appearances since the All-Star break, the 25-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA. He is 4-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 12 road outings this season. Friday marks Lester's second start of 2009 against the Rangers. His first was one of the best of his career, as he fired a complete-game two-hitter, yielding one run on June 6 at Fenway Park. TEX: RHP Kevin Millwood (9-7, 3.38 ERA)
Millwood returned from a 13-day layoff due to a strained left gluteus muscle last Saturday by working six innings of two-run ball against the Angels. He allowed nine hits, but struck out five in the 101-pitch outing. Lifetime against the Red Sox, Millwood is 6-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 85 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old is 27-15 with a 4.51 ERA in 57 career starts at the Ballpark in Arlington. Tidbits
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is expected to be back in the starting lineup on Friday night following Thursday's scheduled day off. ... Catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez collected his second career stolen base on Thursday, the slugger's first theft since July 24, 2003. ... Red Sox starters have a 2.00 ERA in their past seven games (45 innings), including six quality starts and a 34:14 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• NESN On radio
• WRKO 680, SBN 1150 (Español) Up next
• Saturday: Red Sox (Brad Penny, 7-6, 5.16) at Rangers (Derek Holland, 5-7, 5.04), 8:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Red Sox (Junichi Tazawa, 1-1, 4.05) at Rangers (Dustin Nippert, 3-1, 3.62), 2:05 p.m. ET
• Monday: Off-day
John Barone is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
