After being swept at Fenway Park for the first time since 2012, the Boston Red Sox need to right the ship at home. They aim to do so against the Texas Rangers, who will send a couple of unproven starters to face the defending champs.
Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox Series Preview
Where: Fenway Park, Boston
When: April 7- April 9, 2014
First game line: Texas Rangers (-140) at Boston Red Sox (+120); total 9.0 – view these lines
Keys to the Series
[sc:MLB240banner ]The Red Sox are coming off a disastrous three-game sweep at home at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers. Boston was outscored 17-8 combined in the series’ three games, and were shut out for the first time this season in the finale.
Much of their offensive troubles can be attributed to the slow start of lead off man Daniel Nava, who’s hitting .115 (3-for-26) early in the season. With Pedroia, Ortiz and Napoli hitting well behind him, the Red Sox need the their speedster to get on base more often.
The pitching trio of Lackey, Doubront and Peavy produced a lot of steady innings for the Red Sox last season, and will be key factors against the Brewers. All three lasted over five innings in their first starts of the season, and should be good to go five or more innings against the Rangers.
For the Rangers, the big key will be their starting pitching. Tanner Scheppers and Robbie Ross were relievers last year, and will each make their second starts of the season. Ross went five innings, gave up two earned runs and struck out seven. Scheppers didn’t fare as well as he gave up seven runs in just four innings.
Transitioning into the rotation could take some time, which means the two will have ups and downs. It’ll still be important for them to eat up innings in order to preserve the bullpen.
Speaking of transitions, Prince Fielder is having a slow start with his new team. The newly-acquired first baseman is now hitting just .167 after going 0-for-8 in his last two games. His bat needs to wake up and energize an offense averaging just three runs in its last five games.
The Rangers have had their success against the Red Sox in recent history, going 7-3 in their last 10 meetings against the champs.
Pitching Match-ups
Game 1 – John Lackey (2013: 10-13, 3.52 ERA) – Tanner Scheppers (6-2, 1.88 ERA)
Trends:
The Red Sox are 4-1 in Lackey’s last 5 home starts.
Game 2 – Felix Doubront (11-6, 4.32 ERA) – Martin Perez (10-6, 3.62 ERA)
Trends:
The Red Sox are 6-0 in Doubront’s last 6 starts.
The under is 4-1 in Perez’s last 5 starts.
Game 3 – Jake Peavy (12-5, 4.17 ERA) – Robbie Ross (4-2, 3.03 ERA)
Trends:
The over is 3-1 when Peavy’s 4 starts vs. the Rangers.
Prediction
It’s highly unlikely that the Red Sox will drop two straight series at home. With Lackey, Doubront and Peavy, Boston will have three dependable veterans on the mound, as opposed to Texas’ inexperienced converted relievers. Boston will claim at least two out of three.
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