« Sox take opener | Main | Wigginton yanked from lineup »
A few things and lineups....
ST. PETERSBURG - Another big game for Jon Lester as he makes his second start since being recalled last Monday in Cleveland. He pitched six solid innings, allowed two runs in a 6-2 win over the Tribe.
On Sunday afternoon Dice-K pitches. That's always a big event. There's the old Dice-K vs. Akinori Iwamura matchup which is big in Japan. Lots of Japanese media here.
Here are few things Terry Francona said in his pre-game media session:
1. Kevin Youkilis remains in the No. 2 spot in the order. He's hitting .347 with 8 homers and 28 RBI there with a .444 OBP. Not bad.
2. Brendan Donnelly is just having a "so-so" time coming back from his forearm strain. Francona said, "there's a lot of violence in that delivery. When he throws it, he throws it."
3. Matt Clement had a very encouraging side session this afternoon. Francona said he didn't want to get into rating each session. But he said the pitcher was pleased. "He said it's the first time he's felt like a pitcher in a long time." Francona said Clement felt there was a lot of movement in his pitches. Francona said Clement is still a ways away from a game, but Clement wants to pitch before the season ends.
4. Dustin Pedroia took a second day off after being hit with a pitch in Cleveland. Francona said Pedroia could play, but with Alex Cora on the bench why push it? Pedroia is also 1-for-13 in his last three games. His .315 average is sceond among second basemen to Detroit's Placido Polanco.
The lineups:
Boston:
SS Julio Lugo
1B kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
RF J.D. Drew
3B Mike Lowell
C Jason Varitek
CF Coco Crisp
2B Alex Cora
SP Jon Lester
Tampa Bay:
3B Akinori Iwamura
SS Brendan Harris
CF B.J. Upton
1B Carlos Pena
RF Delmon Young
DH Ty Wigginton
LF Jonny Gomes
2B Josh Wilson
C Josh Paul
SP James Shields
