Game 42: Red Sox v Twins

Written by Rob Munstis | 20 May 2010

Starters

Jon Lester (3-2. 3.91)

Francisco Liriano (4-2, 2.63)

Lester was a on a roll before his last start in Detroit. After three forgettable games to start 2010, Lester allowed three total runs in his next four starts. But he allowed 4 runs to the Tigers his last time out and took the ND, despite racking up 10 Ks and lasting 7 innings. Lester has already faced the Twins this year and that start did not go well: 5 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 3 BB, 5 K. But after watching Buchholz mow down a very good Twins offense yesterday, I can't help but feel good about our chances tonight. That said, only the Yankees are better against southpaws than the Twins. They own a .295 BA (2nd) and a .813 OPS (6th).

Thankfully, the Red Sox also hit lefties pretty well: .270 (10th) and work the count just as effectively: .814 (5th)... so we'll have to see with left-hander cracks first.

Liriano's 2010 has been an inverse reflection of Lester's. He held opponents to 3 total runs through his first four starts, but has allowed 27 hits and 11 runs in his lst three outings, taking the loss in his last two games. He pitched well enough to win in his most recent starts against the Yankees (6 IP, 3 R, 7 K) but the Twins offense couldn't hit Pettitte or the Yankee bullpen. Francisco was brilliant in his start against the Sox this season, blanking them through 7 innings while fanning 8, so hopefully Lester can shut down the Twinkies like the left-handed Pettitte did.

Key Matchups

David Ortiz has been on fire lately,. so it will be interesting to see if Tito sits him with a lefty on the hill. For the record, righties have done far more damage than lefties against Liriano (vs RHB: 14 BB, .277 BAA / v LHB: 0 BB, .154 BAA) but Ortiz is 1-3 with a double against him and Mike Lowell is 3 for 5 (.600). Lowell has started one game since May 11 and has 7 total at-bats since that game...

V-Mart had 2 hits yesterday and is 6 for 15 (.400) with 3 doubles against Liriano. Pedroia is 6 for 8 (.750).

Mauer and Mornaeu remain the primary concern for the Sox. Both guys are hitting above .380 against southpaws this season and both guys are by far the most dangerous of all the Minnesota hitters. Strangely, both guys are also 4 for 12 (.33) in their careers against Lester.