After the Major League Baseball defending champions dropped their season opener 2-1 to the Orioles on Monday, the players visited the White House to be honoured by President Barack Obama. After presenting Obama with an honorary jersey, David Ortiz went ahead and grabbed a selfie with America’s top man.
What an honor! Thanks for the #selfie, @BarackObama pic.twitter.com/y5Ww74sEID
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) April 1, 2014
It was a cute moment after a tough loss for the Red Sox. Nonetheless, on Wednesday, it’s back to baseball. Ortiz and company will need to refocus for this game to avoid starting the season two games under .500. Read on for everything you need to know to bet on this AL East clash.
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview
When: Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 7:05PM ET
Where: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
Betting on the Boston Red Sox
[sc:MLB240banner ]The Red Sox lost the first game of their season on Sunday, stranding 12 players in scoring position and wasting a strong performance from Opening Day starter Jon Lester in the 2-1 loss. The lone bright spot for the team was the play of Grady Sizemore, who notched a homer in his first MLB game since 2011.
On Wednesday, John Farrell’s club will start John Lackey (10-13, 4.05 ERA in 2013). Lackey bounced back with a strong season in 2013 after posting ERAs of 4.40 and 6.41 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. He was even better in helping the Red Sox work their way to their World Series title, allowing just eight earned runs over four postseason starts, good for a 2.77 ERA.
Last season, Boston had a formidable 44-37 record when playing away from Fenway Park as their hitters dismantled teams away from Boston. Still, the Orioles were the only team in the AL East to win their season series against Baltimore in 2013 and already have a one game edge this season.
Betting on the Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles commenced its 2014 season with style by defeating the defending champions, thanks to the debuting Nelson Cruz, who scored two runs in his first game as an Oriole.
Ubaldo Jimenez (13-9, 3.30 ERA with Cleveland in 2013) will start for the Orioles. Jimenez has struggled against the Red Sox historically, allowing a combined average of .362 against the current Boston line up. He will be looking to make a strong impression for Baltimore, who are hoping the former Cy Young finalist will help turn their rotation into one of the most competitive in the division.
Prediction:
The Red Sox have Jimenez figured out, and with the added motivation of getting their season off to a strong start, they will roll the Orioles in this one.
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