The Boston Red Sox take on the Miami Marlins for a two-game home stand before heading on a two-series road trip tonight at 7 p.m.
Boston is fresh off a horrific series against the Tampa Bay Rays, getting swept for the first time in almost a year by the 19.5 games back American League East rival. The Red Sox have been underperforming as of late, winning only four of their last 10 games. Boston will hope to use the two-game series against a terrible Marlins team as a way to bounce back and find their MLB-best form again.
Game One
The first game of the series sees Brian Johnson (4-3, 4.12 ERA) up against Jose Urena (4-12, 4.50 ERA). Neither pitcher has had an incredible year, but Johnson has been able to get the job done when needed for the Red Sox. His last start was in Boston’s first win against the Cleveland Indians in their four game series, pitching 4 1/3 innings giving up three earned runs on five hits while striking out five. While that doesn’t sound like a fantastic showing, Johnson got the job done as an end of the rotation starter as the Sox offense helped him out in getting the win.
Urena’s last outing was a fantastic game, seeing the Marlins win 12-1 over the Washington Nationals. Urena went the full game, giving up one earned run on two hits and striking out four. The Red Sox offense will surely be looking to find their form again and will not let Urena go a full nine innings against them.
Game Two
David Price (14-6, 3.50 ERA) gets the start for the second and final game of the series, facing off with Trevor Richards (3-7, 4.23 ERA). Price has been incredible as of late, and will look to continue dominating against a weak Marlins lineup. His last start may have been the best of the season for the left-hander, throwing eight shutout innings allowing only three hits and striking out seven against the Cleveland Indians, getting the 7-0 win to tie the four game series.
The Marlins beat the New York Yankees 9-3 in Richard’s last start, but were losing 2-0 after he was taken out in the sixth inning. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and striking out nine. Boston will look to take both games from the Marlins, and catch some winning form before heading to Chicago for a four game series against the White Sox.
