During the top of the sixth inning, the Rays’ Matt Joyce hit what umpires initially ruled as a double to right field. After the ruling on the field, both Orioles manager Buck Showalter and his Tampa Bay counterpart, Joe Maddon, came out to argue the call.

While Showalter argued that the ball was foul, Maddon wanted a video replay to determine whether the ball was a home run. However, he didn’t want said review if there was a chance that the ball could be ruled foul, which makes the ruling on the field integral.

What happens next is a little nutty.

In effect, Showalter had to argue that the ruling should have been a home run against his own team, since fair-foul calls can’t be reviewed. Thus, Showalter would be hoping such a replay would determine the ball was actually foul.

In the end, the umpires did huddle up to review the video, and (correctly) determined that the ball did clear the fence and hit the foul pole, giving Joyce a home run.

Check out the bizarre circumstance in the video below.

Markakis and Plouffe had hoped to use pink-labeled bats manufactured by MaxBat Inc. to honor their mothers, both of whom are cancer survivors. But although there are no restrictions on pink bats, the only pink-labeled ones allowed by Major League Baseball are those produced by Louisville Slugger. Markakis was informed of the league’s ruling before Friday night’s game against Plouffe’s Twins, according to The Baltimore Sun.

“It would mean a little more to me with my mom being a breast cancer survivor and be able to support her in that way. So I guess you could say it is a little disappointing. But I guess the rules are the rules, right?” the outfielder told The Sun’s Dan Connolly. “If I said something [to MLB] would it really make a difference? No, I doubt it. Is what it is. You’ve got to abide by the rules, right?”

Plouffe originally voiced his own disapproval of the league’s decision via Twitter, but later deleted those tweets. He tweeted this an hour prior to first pitch in Minnesota:

My apologies to @sluggernation as they are not THE ROOT of the problem. Everyone needs to come together and fight cancer.

—
Trevor Plouffe (@TPlouffe24) May 10, 2013

According to Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan, several other players were also informed they would not be allowed to use pink-labeled MaxBats, including Boston’s Jonny Gomes.

Other players not allowed to use the bats by @MaxBatBaseball include Jayson Werth, Jason Kubel, Kendrys Morales, Jonny Gomes, Adam LaRoche.

—
Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 10, 2013

Photo via Twitter/@MaxBatBaseball

No, Ryan’s Jets did not win the Super Bowl last season. That honor goes to the Ravens, who — due to scheduling conflicts with the Baltimore Orioles, with whom they share a parking lot — will open the 2013 season against the Broncos in Denver.

Though the Baltimore teams’ failure to come to a compromise does not affect Ryan, the Jets coach argued that the Orioles’ decision not to move their game was ridiculous.

“Well who really cares,” Ryan told the New York Daily News. “You’ve got 81 at home, maybe you could have done the right thing and given one up and then played 82 on the road and then 80 at home. I really don’t think people are going to care about that game.

“Certainly I can understand, if baseball only had a 16-game schedule you might understand it. But when they have 162 games, you might just [have the] common courtesy and say, you know what, maybe I’ll play this one on the road or whatever.”

Especially in a difficult environment such as Denver, playing on your home field really can be a significant advantage. The Broncos were 7-1 at Mile High during the regular season last year, including wins in their final six home games. The Ravens came out on top in the playoffs, though, upsetting the top-seeded Broncos 38-35 in double overtime in the divisional round.

Photo of the night

Ever wonder what baseball scouts thought of a young Derek Jeter?

Photo via Twitter/@HallofFamePrez

Tweet of the night

House Cutler, Rodgers is calling you out.

Week 17 @chicago. Winter is coming. Game of thrones

—
Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 19, 2013

Video of the night

Ninja style! (h/t Bob’s Blitz)

The Orioles’ Chris Davis wasn’t thrilled after going down swinging to end the third inning on Tuesday night, and he took out his displeasure the way many athletes or baseball fans have before. But instead of Davis’ two-handed kneeing of his bat ending the way it usually does, with the bat bouncing off and the frustration vented, Davis put enough force behind his motion to snap his bat right in half.

Check out the splinters in the video below.

With two on and nobody out, Manny Machado grounded to second baseman Robinson Cano, who threw to second base to record a force out. Then, shortstop Jason Nix threw to third base, where Kevin Youkilis caught Alexi Casilla in a rundown. Casilla was tagged out and all the while, Machado was trying to advance to second. He was then caught in a rundown and tagged out for the third out.

In the end, the scorebook reads 4-6-5-6-5-3-4 on the triple play. The last triple play the Yankees turned came in 2010 against the A’s, and their last one at home came way back in 1968.

Check out a video of the play here >>

Final, Orioles 3-2:

Adam Jones drove in two runs, while Chris Davis got the O’s offense going in the second inning with his sixth home run of the season. Jones’ RBI double in the seventh inning off Koji Uehara proved to be the difference.

Clayton Mortensen suffered the loss for Boston. He came on in relief of Alfredo Aceves and pitched 1 2/3 innings before being taken out after surrendering a two-out single to Manny Machado in the seventh. Andrew Miller walked the next batter, setting the stage for Jones’ big, go-ahead double against Uehara.

Aceves tossed 79 pitches (47 strikes) over five innings before departing. He allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out four and walking three. Red Sox manager John Farrell said after the game that Aceves is slated to pitch again in John Lackey’s place the next time through the rotation.

The Red Sox say goodbye to the Orioles, and they’ll now welcome in the Rays. The Sox will host the Rays for a four-game set beginning on Friday night. Felix Doubront will be matched up against Alex Cobb in the series opener, which is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Good night, everyone.

Mid 9th, Orioles 3-2: Well, if the Red Sox needed an emotional boost for their at-bats in the ninth, that should help.

After Manny Machado walked to lead off the inning, the Sox spun a 6-4-3 double play, with Mike Napoli scooping the throw out of the dirt on the back end.

Alex Wilson — who, as mentioned, was making his big league debut — then struck out Adam Jones swinging on three pitches. Jones had been 2-for-4 with two RBIs up until that point.

Wilson’s K drew a loud ovation from the Fenway Faithful who have stuck around.

The Red Sox are scheduled to send up Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Stephen Drew and Jonny Gomes in the ninth.

End 8th, Orioles 3-2: The Red Sox will have to do it in the ninth, as sidearm-throwing Darren O’Day breezed through the Boston order in the eighth inning.

Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were retired 1-2-3, and O’Day made it look easy.

Napoli popped out to short to lead off the inning. Will Middlebrooks then hit a soft liner to Alexi Casilla at second, and Daniel Nava skied a fly ball to right field that Chris Dickerson easily hauled in.

In the ninth inning, the recently called up Alex Wilson will take the mound for his big league debut. It’s an important inning for the 26-year-old — not just personally, but for the team as well.

Mid 8th, Orioles 3-2: Junichi Tazawa was forced to work around a runner, but he succeeded in keeping Baltimore’s lead at one run.

Tazawa started the inning off in impressive fashion, striking out J.J. Hardy looking on a 93-mph fastball. Chris Dickerson would win the next battle by lining a base hit into center field.

Alexi Casilla bounced to the right side with one out. Dustin Pedroia made the play while ranging to his left, and he turned and fired to second in the hopes of starting an inning-ending double play. The ball wasn’t nearly hit hard enough for the Red Sox to turn it, though.

Casilla, reaching on the fielder’s choice, would move up to second base on a wild pitch in the dirt with Nate McLouth batting. He wouldn’t advance beyond there, as McLouth grounded harmlessly to Pedroia to end the inning.

Darren O’Day will come on to face the Sox in the eighth inning.

The paid attendance for the game was just announced: 27,704.

End 7th, Orioles 3-2: After Jonny Gomes was announced as the pinch-hitter for Jackie Bradley Jr., Buck Showalter turned to Pedro Strop to pitch the seventh.

Strop retired Gomes on a blistering line drive down to third base, and he then disposed of Jacoby Ellsbury on a little comebacker to the mound.

Shane Victorino — whose “Buffalo Soldier” entrance music gets better with age — extended the inning on a ground ball to J.J. Hardy. Hardy charged the bouncer, but he had a hard time getting the ball out of his glove, and that enabled Victorino to reach. The play was ruled a hit, although Hardy might have been able to throw out Victorino with a clean transition to his throwing hand.

Victorino’s infield single went for naught, though. Dustin Pedroia grounded to his counterpart at second base to end the inning.

Junichi Tazawa will pitch the eighth inning for Boston.

Mid 7th, Orioles 3-2: Three pitchers took the hill for the Red Sox in the top of the seventh inning, and the Orioles came away with a run to grab the lead.

Clayton Mortensen came on to start the inning, and he got two quick outs. He struck out Alexi Casilla and got Nate McLouth to pop out to short, before then allowing a base hit to Manny Machado. Machado’s single ended Mortensen’s outing after 1 2/3 innings, as John Farrell opted to bring in Andrew Miller with the left-handed hitting Nick Markakis coming to the plate.

Miller couldn’t take care of business, though. He kept missing outside, and it led to a walk for Markakis to set up runners at first and second.

Miller’s night would end after one batter. Farrell turned to Koji Uehara, who had been perfect in his first three outings. Adam Jones greeted Uehara rather harshly, ripping a double into the left-field corner that plated Machado to give the O’s a 3-2 lead.

After Uehara intentionally walked the hottest hitter in baseball, Chris Davis, Matt Wieters flew out to left field to end the inning.

Jones is 2-for-4 with two RBIs in this one.

End 6th, 2-2: Stephen Drew had a chance to make his first big contribution in the sixth inning, but he was punched out with two runners on.

Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava each singled in the inning to set up first and second with one out. That spelled the end of Chris Tillman’s night, as O’s manager Buck Showalter turned to Brian Matusz as the first pitcher out of the Baltimore ‘pen.

Matusz came in and got the Orioles out of trouble. He struck out both Drew and Jarrod Saltalamacchia to keep the game 2-2.

Salty was the first to be victimized. He gave a halfhearted swing at a slider in the dirt.

Drew then started off his at-bat by falling behind 0-2, but he eventually worked the count full. Drew went down looking at a pitch on the inside corner.

Mid 6th, 2-2: Matt Wieters began the inning with a loud out, but Clayton Mortensen got the job done in the sixth.

Wieters lifted a 1-1 changeup to the warning track in right field, where Shane Victorino made the play for the first out.

J.J. Hardy and Chris Dickerson were then retired on a ground out to third and a pop out to third, respectively.

End 5th, 2-2: The Red Sox were unable to regain the lead in the fifth, as the top of the Boston order went down in order.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia were retired consecutively by O’s starter Chris Tillman.

Ellsbury flew out to left field, Victorino popped out to shortstop J.J. Hardy in shallow left and Pedroia flew out to right.

Clayton Mortensen will take over for the Red Sox in the sixth inning after Alfredo Aceves went the first five.

Aceves exits having thrown 79 pitches (47 strikes). He allowed two runs (both earned) on six hits in five innings. He struck out four and walked three.

Aceves won’t factor into the decision in this one, but the Sox couldn’t have asked for much more overall.

Mid 5th, 2-2: A couple of singles have tied this game up.

Manny Machado, who hit the big home run on Wednesday night, surprised the Red Sox by dropping down a one-out bunt. Jarrod Saltalamacchia charged out from behind the plate to make the play, but his throw down to first was too late.

Two batters later, after Nick Markakis grounded out, Adam Jones smacked a single into center field that easily scored Machado from second base with Baltimore’s second run.

The final out came in rather strange fashion. With the shift on, a ball off the bat of Chris Davis ate up Mike Napoli at first base. Will Middlebrooks, pulled over to the right side of the infield for the at-bat, made the play off the ricochet. Middlebrooks then delivered the ball back to Napoli to get the sluggish Davis.

In the end, the third out was scored 3-5-3. Yes, very strange.

End 4th, Red Sox 2-1: Stephen Drew’s second game with the Red Sox is going a little bit better than his first.

After going 0-for-4 in his Boston debut, Drew has reached base safely twice in this game. Both times have come via a free pass.

Drew walked with two outs in the fourth. Daniel Nava led off the inning by flying out to left field, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out for the second out.

After Drew’s walk, Jackie Bradley Jr. grounded into a 5-4 force out to end the inning.

Mid 4th, Red Sox 2-1: The Orioles threatened to get the runs back in the fourth, but Alfredo Aceves made a big pitch when it counted.

After Adam Jones struck out swinging to begin the inning, Chris Davis, who homered earlier in the game, worked a walk.

Matt Wieters flew out for the second out, but the inning got a lot more difficult for Aceves from there. J.J. Hardy ripped a single into the left-field corner, which sent Davis all the way to third base, and Chris Dickerson walked to load the bases.

Aceves bounced back with the bases jammed to strike out Alex Casilla. Aceves froze Casilla with a 91-mph fastball.

End 3rd, Red Sox 2-1: Chris Tillman looked to be on his way to keeping the game 1-0, but some two-out magic from the Red Sox gave them their first lead.

Stephen Drew walked to begin the third inning, marking the first time he’s been on base in a Red Sox uniform. Tillman bounced back to strike out both Jackie Bradley Jr. and Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Sox wouldn’t go down easy with two outs, though.

Shane Victorino lined a hard single into right-center field, which allowed Drew to go from first to third. Dustin Pedroia then drove Drew in by shooting a base hit the other way.

Mike Napoli gave the Red Sox the lead after a very hard-fought at-bat. Napoli ripped the ninth pitch he saw into left field. Nate McLouth dove in an effort to make the grab, but he couldn’t make the play. Instead, McLouth trapped the ball, which led to an RBI single. A hustling Pedroia went from first to third.

Will Middlebrooks failed to add to the lead. He grounded out to third for the final out.

Mid 3rd, Orioles 1-0: The pitchers have been busy in the field.

Alexi Casilla dropped a bunt down the first-base line to lead off the inning. Alfredo Aceves came off the mound, and he made a nice play to scoop it up and shovel to Mike Napoli at first for the out.

Nate McLouth aimed at Aceves as well, although his hit was much more well-struck. McLouth hit a line drive that deflected off Aceves and rolled toward second base. McLouth ended up reaching with an infield single.

Manny Machado grounded to Will Middlebrooks with one out. Middlebrooks was initially thinking double play, but he bobbled the ball momentarily, and the Red Sox were thus unable to execute the twin killing.

Nick Markakis grounded out back to the mound to end things.

End 2nd, Orioles 1-0:  The Red Sox went down easily in the second inning.

Will Middlebrooks led off with a line drive into right field. Chris Dickerson came on and made a nice, sliding grab for out No. 1.

Daniel Nava then struck out swinging on three pitches. He fanned on a 91-mph cutter from Chris Tillman to cap off the at-bat.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia capped off the inning with a little roller that Tillman fielded easily.

Mid 2nd, Orioles 1-0: I’m not sure if Chris Davis’ home run landed yet.

Davis absolutely smoked his sixth home run of the season in the second inning. He sent it out near the NESN.com sign above the triangle in right-center, and it’s clear he’s still very much in the midst of his early-season hot streak.

Prior to Davis’ home run, Adam Jones grounded back to the mound. After the bomb, Matt Wieters walked, but Alfredo Aceves bounced back to strike out J.J. Hardy and Chris Dickerson to limit the second-inning damage.

End 1st, 0-0: Jacoby Ellsbury kicked off the inning with a hit, but the Red Sox were unable to do anything with it.

Ellsbury reached after bouncing a ball behind the second-base bag. Shortstop J.J. Hardy made the play going up the middle, but Ellsbury was just too quick for Hardy to record the out.

Shane Victorino followed up by hitting a ground ball right at second baseman Alexi Casilla. Casilla tried to start a double play, but again speed played a factor, as Victorino beat Hardy’s throw on the back end.

After Dustin Pedroia struck out on a foul tip into the catcher’s mitt, Mike Napoli grounded down to third. Manny Machado made the easy play and fired across the diamond to record the final out of the inning.

Mid 1st, 0-0: Alfredo Aceves retired the side in order in the first, but it was a rather eventful half inning.

Nate McLouth led off the game by flying out Jacoby Ellsbury in center, and Manny Machado, who was Wednesday night’s hero, followed by ripping a ball into the right-center field gap. Machado tried to stretch the extra-base hit into a triple, but Dustin Pedroia received the relay throw and delivered a strike to third base to nab Machado.

Nick Markakis then threatened to bloop a base hit into left field, but Jackie Bradley Jr. made a nice running play while charging in to end the frame.

7:10 p.m.: Aceves’ first pitch results in a fly ball to center. Jacoby Ellsbury made the grab, and we’re under way.

7:08 p.m.: The Red Sox have taken the field, and we’re almost ready for baseball at Fenway Park. Let’s hope the rain holds up, as it’s expected to.

6:45 p.m.: It’ll be interesting to see how Alfredo Aceves fares in his first start of 2013. As much heat as the right-hander has taken during the offseason and early on this season, his ability to start is exactly why he still holds a valuable role on the Red Sox.

Aceves didn’t start any games last season, but he started four with the Sox in 2011. Manager John Farrell said before Thursday’s game that there will be no hard pitch count for the righty. The hope instead is that he can get into the sixth inning — and perhaps beyond.

It’s also worth noting at this time that NESN will have coverage of both the Red Sox and Bruins on Thursday night. The Sox will air on NESN, while the B’s will air on NESNplus. If you’re unsure of your NESNplus channel, check out the listings at the link below.

Click here for Thursday’s NESNplus channel listings >>

4:57 p.m.: Daniel Nava has made the most of his opportunities thus far, and he’s making it nearly impossible for manager John Farrell to take him out of the starting lineup.

Nava will serve as the DH and bat sixth on Thursday night. He’ll look to continue his streak of three straight games with a home run. Nava is the first Red Sox player to homer in three straight games since David Ortiz (June 17-June 20, 2012), and he’s the first Red Sox switch-hitter to go deep in three straight since Jose Offerman (May 5-May 8, 2001).

Nava has reached base in 12 of his 21 plate appearances this season. He’s hitting .467 (7-for-15) with the three blasts and seven RBIs.

Stephen Drew will get his second start of the season on Thursday. He went 0-for-4 in his season debut on Wednesday.

The rest of Thursday’s lineups are below.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., LF

Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Orioles
Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, DH
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Dickerson, RF
Alexi Casilla, 2B

Chris Tillman, RHP

10 a.m. ET: The Red Sox have won each of their series so far this season. To continue that streak, they’ll need to come through in the third and final matchup with the Orioles tonight after Baltimore stole one on a wet and wild Wednesday night.

Starting for the Red Sox (5-3) will be Alfredo Aceves, one of the more interesting holdovers from last year’s team. While Aceves has become known best for his antics around the team, the righty has also shown he can pitch. Used mostly as a long reliever, Aceves has pined for a starting opportunity, and he’ll get just that — even if it’s a spot appearance — as he takes the hill in place of John Lackey, who is out with an injured bicep.

Aceves has not been great so far this year, coming on in relief appearances against the Yankees and Blue Jays and allowing five earned runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings over two games. He’ll need to bring his best stuff to help the Sox spell their bullpen, which was used early and often in Wednesday night’s rain-altered game.

Chris Tillman takes the starting duties for the Orioles (4-4). The right-hander posted his best season in the bigs last year, going 9-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts, but he’s had a rough beginning to this year. He lasted just 3 2/3 innings against the Twins in his first start, giving up five earned runs and walking four.

The action starts here on NESN at 6 p.m., with first pitch ready to go at 7:10. Stay here for updates and analysis leading up to the game.

Starting the season at 5-3, that strategy has certainly worked so far. However, on Thursday the Red Sox will turn to their rotation depth, asking swingman Alfredo Aceves to step in and start in place of the injured John Lackey. Although Aceves has never started more than four games in a season, he’s always professed that starting is his preference, and he went 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA in four starts in 2011.

Check out the starting lineups for the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox for Thursday, April 11 below.

Baltimore Orioles

Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, DH
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Dickerson, RF
Alexi Casilla, 2B

Chris Tillman, RHP

Boston Red Sox

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., LF

Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Final, Orioles 8-5: Jim Johnson retires the Red Sox in order and what looked to be a certain win ends in a crushing defeat.

The Orioles plated five runs off closer Joel Hanrahan in the ninth, marking the closer’s first blown save in a Red Sox uniform.

We’ll be back at it again tomorrow night, when these two teams face off in the rubber match of their three-game series.

Mid 9th, Orioles 8-5: Manny Machado must be reading the blog.

Ten minutes after we bemoan his early-season struggles, the third baseman jacks a Joel Hanrahan pitch over the Green Monster for a three-run homer, giving the O’s an 8-5 lead.

Needless to say, closer Joel Hanrahan did not have his best stuff in this inning.

The big closer surrendered a leadoff homer to Chris Davis and a two-out single to light-hitting second baseman Ryan Flaherty (light-hitting as in he was 0-for-17 on the season entering this inning and had already struck out three times tonight).

A walk by No. 9 hitter Nolan Reimold and another by Nate McLouth loaded the bases, and a wild pitch allowed pinch runner Alexi Casilla to come home with the tying run. Machado took care of the rest, clearing the bases on the second pitch he saw and sending Hanrahan to the dugout amid a cacophony of boos.

Andrew Miller struck out Nick Markakis to end the inning, but the Sox now have a three-run hole to dig themselves out of in the ninth.

End 8th, Red Sox 5-3: The Sox get nothing against O’Day and we go to the ninth.

Joel “The Hammer” Hanrahan will look to close this one out against Chris Davis, Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy.

Mid 8th, Red Sox 5-3: Manny Machado is mired in a sophomore slump, and the Fenway crowd is letting him hear it.

The young third baseman — who was greeted with “Maaa-nny” chants in his latest at-bat — popped out in foul territory in the eighth, likely ending an 0-for-4 night.

After taking the AL East by storm as a 19-year-old rookie last summer, Machado is currently suffering through a dismal second season, lowering his average to .176 (6-for-34) with his latest pop out.

Bailey ended the scoreless eighth with a pair of strikeouts, and submarine right-hander Darren O’Day will come on for the Birds.

End 7th, Red Sox 5-3: Nothing doing for Boston in the seventh, as the Sox go down in order.

Andrew Bailey enters for the Red Sox, and he will attempt to extend his scoreless streak to start the season against the top of the Orioles order.

Mid 7th, Red Sox 5-3: Tazawa strikes out Nolan Reimold swinging, completing a 1-2-3 seventh inning and drawing the greatest cheer yet from the Fenway faithful.

Boston pitchers have retired 11 consecutive Orioles, six of them by way of the K.

The bottom third of the O’s lineup has been especially unproductive as J.J. Hardy, Ryan Flaherty and Reimbold have combined to go 0-for-8 with a walk tonight.

End 6th, Red Sox 5-3: How about the season Daniel Nava is having so far.

Starting as the designated hitter tonight, Nava went yard for the third time in three games, sending Tommy Hunter’s offering into the Monster seats to give the Red Sox a 4-3 lead.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia followed suit the very next at-bat, taking Hunter deep for his first home run of the season and marking the second time Boston batters have hit back-to-back homers in the last three games.

But not to be overlooked was Will Middlebrooks’ at-bat before Daniel Nava came to the plate. The third baseman fouled off eight pitches in the strike zone before finally going down swinging, earning him a standing ovation from the fans near the Red Sox dugout.

Junichi Tazawa takes the mound for the Sox in the seventh.

Mid 6th, 3-3: Koji Uehara makes quick work of the meat of the Orioles lineup, sitting down Adam Jones, Chris Davis and Matt Wieters in order.

A greatly improved bullpen has been one of Boston’s strong suits in the young season, and Uehara has been at the forefront of that resurgence. He is in the midst of the most dominant stretch of his career, and this most recent 1-2-3 frame improves his scoreless streak to a career-best 14 2/3 innings without allowing a run.

Right-hander Tommy Hunter takes the mound for the O’s in the bottom of the sixth.

9:14 p.m.: It appears that Dempster is indeed done for the night, as right-hander Koji Uehara is now warming up in the bullpen. Uehara has not allowed a baserunner this season, striking out a pair through two perfect innings of work.

9:00 p.m.: And here we go. The tarp is off and the field crew is beginning the process of preparing the field for action. Fenway Park officials expect the game to resume around 9:20 p.m.

Adam Jones, Chris Davis and Matt Wieters will be due up for the O’s in the top of the sixth inning.

It will be interesting to see if Ryan Dempster returns to the mound after this delay with 93 pitches under his belt. The veteran has been somewhat inconsistent tonight, retiring the side in order in three innings but failing to find a rhythm in his other two. That, coupled with a lengthy layoff, may prompt John Farrell to dip into his bullpen when play resumes.

8:54 p.m.: I’m knocking on wood, but this delay seems to be winding down.

The rain has died down to a faint drizzle, and fans are beginning to flow back into the lower levels of the ballpark. The weather forecast shows less than a 10 percent chance of precipitation from now until 10 p.m., so hopefully the tarp will be off the field shortly.

End 5th, 3-3: The top of the Red Sox order fared no better than its Baltimore counterpart.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia went down in order in the fifth, and the field crew wasted no time rolling out the tarp.

That’s right folks, welcome to your first rain delay of the 2013 season. Hopefully these will just be some passing showers, but we’ll be here to keep you entertained while you wait. Stay tuned.

This Red Sox rain delay is presented by LL Bean.

Mid 5th, 3-3: That was just the inning Ryan Dempster needed.

After facing seven Baltimore batters in the fourth, the right-hander faced the minimum in the fifth, sitting down the top of the O’s order on a pair of strikeouts and a weak grounder.

The pair of K’s — by Nate McLouth and Manny Machado — brings Dempster’s strikeout total to six on the night to go along with just two walks.

End 4th, 3-3: Jarrod Saltalamacchia gave the ball a ride again, but the Red Sox were unable to capitalize.

Right fielder Nick Markakis misjudged the catcher’s line drive, resulting in a one-out double — Salty’s second of the night.

But the men behind him were unable to get the ball out of the infield, as Stephen Drew grounded out to first, sending Saltalamacchia to third, and Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his offering straight into the dirt, creating an easy play for pitcher Jake Arrieta.

The rain continues to come down here at Fenway, and it’s expected to throughout the night. We’ll see how long the umpires wait before pulling the plug.

Mid 4th, 3-3: So much for that two-run lead.

The Orioles struck back immediately in the fourth, with Nick Markakis getting the action started with his first home run of the season.

A single then put Adam Jones on base and a wild pitch sent him to second. After Chris Davis struck out, Jones came in to score when Jackie Bradley Jr. couldn’t handle a sharply hit single by Matt Wieters.

That would do it for the damage in the inning, but Dempster’s pitch count has already climbed to 81. He could be done for the night before the game’s halfway point if he doesn’t settle down.

End 3rd, Red Sox 3-1: Jacoby Ellsbury has given the Sox their first lead of the night.

Jackie Bradley Jr. — who was not in the lineup on Monday after struggling in Toronto — drew Boston’s second walk of the game to open the inning, and Ellsbury wasted no time bringing him home.

The speedy center fielder ripped a low line drive into shallow left field and Nate McLouth timed his leap poorly, allowing the ball to roll to the warning track and Ellsbury to sprint to third base.

Though Bradley has struggled with the bat so far in his rookie season (3-for-21 through six games), he’s shown great patience at the plate and is tied with Dustin Pedroia for the team lead with six walks.

Ellsbury came home for the Sox’ third run on a fly out by Shane Victorino. Jake Arrieta then walked both Pedroia and Mike Napoli before getting Will Middlebrooks to ground into a 4-6-3 double play.

Mid 3rd, 1-1: Ryan Dempster has found his groove since that shaky first inning and has now retired six straight Orioles.

The ball didn’t leave the infield in the top of the third.

No. 9 hitter Nolan Reimold skied a high pop up that was settled under by Saltalamacchia for the first out, Nate McLouth grounded to Dustin Pedroia for the second and Manny Machado shattered his bat on a weak dribbler that was easily fielded by Dempster to end the frame.

End 2nd, 1-1: The Red Sox lifted four deep fly balls in second inning, and while three of them were easily caught, Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s found the middle of the Green Monster in left-center field, bringing home Daniel Nava to tie the score.

After Mike Napoli and Will Middlebrooks flew out to center fielder Adam Jones, Nava — who has reached safely in every plate appearance this season — drew a four-pitch walk and came home on Salty’s wall-ball double.

Stephen Drew gave the ball a ride, as well, but Nate McLouth settled under it at the warning track to end the inning.

Mid 2nd, Orioles 1-0: One thing Dempster did do well in his debut was strike batters out, and that trend is also continuing tonight.

After Matt Wieters and J.J. Hardy grounded out to start the inning, Dempster sat down Ryan Flaherty with a high fastball for his third K of the night to retire the side in order.

Stephen Drew saw his first action in a Red Sox uniform in the inning, as well, fielding Hardy’s grounder and throwing to first for the out.

End 1st, Orioles 1-0: Jake Arrieta makes quick work of the Sox, retiring the side on just nine pitches.

The 6-foot-4 right-hander showed some serious zip on his fastball — which hovered around 95-96 miles per hour — and induced a pair of weak groundouts before striking out Dustin Pedroia looking to complete the 1-2-3.

Mid 1st, Orioles 1-0: Pitch efficiency was a problem point for Ryan Dempster in his first start, and it’s looking to be an issue again tonight.

An error by center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury on a Manny Machado fly ball led to the only run in the inning, but Dempster’s pitch count is already up to 29.

He walked Nate McLouth to open the game before Machado’s fly ball fell between Ellsbury and right fielder Shane Victorino, allowing McLouth to advance to third. He come home on Nick Markakis’ groundout to first baseman Mike Napoli, and Dempster struck out both Adam Jones and Chris Davis to end the frame.

Ellsbury, Victorino and Dustin Pedroia are due up for the Sox against Jake Arrieta.

7:09 p.m.: Ryan Dempster’s first pitch to Nate McLouth is taken for strike one and we are under way as a light drizzle falls at Fenway.

6:45 p.m.: Tonight will be the first time in nearly a decade that the Red Sox will not be playing in front of a capacity home crowd.

The team announced minutes ago that tonight’s game has not sold out, breaking a streak of 794 regular-season sellouts (820 including playoffs) that marks the longest in American professional sports.

A crowd of 30,000+ is still expected to be on hand for tonight’s contest, which will get under way in just a few minutes.

5:45 p.m.: What were once clear blue skies have turned awfully threatening here at Fenway, and the temperature has dropped to 50 degrees just about 90 minutes before first pitch.

Forecasts still show less than a 20 percent chance of rain this evening, though, so let’s hope those showers hold off.

5 p.m.: Manager John Farrell and general manager Ben Cherington addressed the Stephen Drew-Jose Iglesias situation in their pregame press conferences, and both stated that the team has never wavered from the original plan to start Drew when he was healthy.

Farrell said that Iglesias took his reassignment very professionally, and Drew assured the assembled media that he is finally feeling 100 percent after battling concussion symptoms for a full month.

While Ryan Dempster will make his regularly scheduled start tonight, the Sox rotation will take on a bit of a different look in the games to come. With John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list, Farrell will start Alfredo Aceves tomorrow night — citing the desire to use another right-hander against the Orioles at Fenway and take advantage of Aceves’ success against O’s catcher Matt Wieters — and shift usual No. 4 starter Felix Doubront to Saturday against the Rays.

3:45 p.m.: Here’s who’s starting for the Orioles:

Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Nolan Reimold, DH

Jake Arrieta, P

3 p.m.: Today has been a busy day for the Red Sox already.

Earlier this afternoon, the team announced that Stephen Drew will make his first start of the season at shortstop. For those of you debating whether the team would stay with the hot bat of Jose Iglesias when Drew was healthy enough to return from his concussion, well, you have your answer. Iglesias was sent down to Pawtucket.

The Sox also placed right-hander John Lackey on the 15-day disabled list and announced that Alfredo Aceves will make his first start of the year Thursday night in the series finale.

Here is the Sox’ starting lineup for tonight:

Red Sox

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., LF

Ryan Dempster, P

8 a.m. ET: We’re only seven games into a 162-game season, but Red Sox fans have to be pleased with their team’s performance so far.

The 5-2 start is Boston’s best since 2006, and the Sox have already taken two out of three games against division rivals in New York and Toronto. They’ll try to add a third team to that list Wednesday night when the Orioles visit Fenway Park for the second tilt of a three-game series.

Boston got the best of the O’s on Monday, with Clay Buchholz tossing seven scoreless innings and Daniel Nava launching a three-run home run onto Lansdowne Street in a 3-1 win in the home opener.

Ryan Dempster and Jake Arrieta will take the mound Wednesday for the Sox and Orioles, respectively, and both are searching for more favorable results than they found in their first outings. Dempster was serviceable last Thursday at Yankee Stadium (three runs, five hits, four walks, eight strikeouts), but his teammates couldn’t solve Andy Pettitte in a 4-2 loss. He’ll be looking for his first win in a Red Sox uniform in his first home start at Fenway.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with coverage beginning on NESN at 6 p.m. Be sure to check back throughout the day for a breakdown of the starting lineups and all your pregame analysis from the ballpark.

Last season was a strange one for the Red Sox and Orioles. For once, it was Boston who ended the year in last place looking up at Baltimore, instead of the other way around.

This year, the Red Sox have gotten off to a hot start that is starting to suggest that last year was a fluke. The O’s, on the other hand, are doing everything they can to prove their 2012 campaign wasn’t. In the midst of all that fluky history, though, is baseball that’s left to be played.

That’s what NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette is keeping an eye on as the two teams square off Wednesday in Boston. See more in the above video.

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While many Red Sox fans are eager to compare Stephen to his oft-injured brother, former Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, Stephen has insisted that he’ll make his own name. After being sidelined with a concussion in spring training, he has worked his way back to playing form and gets the start at shortstop Wednesday night against the Orioles, with Jose Iglesias being sent back to Triple-A.

Also back in the Red Sox lineup will be Jackie Bradley Jr., who got a breather in the Red Sox’ home opener Monday. In the six games he’s played this year, Bradley has batted just .143, but he has also drawn five walks while showing his ability in the field.

The Red Sox will be facing Jake Arrieta, who had a bumpy first start of the season. He went just five innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits against the Twins. Arrieta has struggled throughout his career against the Red Sox. He comes into Fenway Park with an 0-3 record, 6.00 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in five appearances (four starts) against Boston, including going 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA at Fenway Park.

Dustin Pedroia is 4-for-11 in his career against Arrieta, and Jacoby Ellsbury (2-for-5), Daniel Nava (3-for-5), Mike Napoli (2-for-5), Will Middlebrooks (2-for-3) and Shane Victorino (3-for-3) have all gotten to the righty before, too.

That sets the table nicely for Ryan Dempster, who is looking to join what has been a solid start for Red Sox pitching. Dempster was uneven in his first go, getting bounced after five innings against the Yankees. While he struck out eight and gave up just five hits and three earned runs, he had trouble keeping his pitch count down in that outing.

Here are the lineups for Wednesday’s game.

Boston Red Sox (5-2)

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorina, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., LF

Ryan Dempster, P

Baltimore Orioles (3-4)

Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Nolan Reimold, DH

Jake Arrieta, P

It’s never wise to read too much into one week of action, but the Blue Jays don’t look like division favorites thus far, and Dickey’s 2012 season looks like a fluke. Toronto lost two of three at home last week to both Cleveland and the Red Sox. In Sunday’s 13-0 shellacking by Boston, Dickey heard some negative attention from the crowd at Rogers Centre. The 38-year-old allowed five runs before retiring a batter, those runs allowed matching the total of first-inning runs Dickey gave up all of last season. Dickey lasted just 4 2/3 innings against the Red Sox, allowing eight runs and 10 hits. In his 33 starts of last season, he allowed more than five runs once.

Dickey wasn’t good in his first start, either, allowing four runs in six innings in a loss to the Indians. Dickey says he’s not worried – what else would he say? — and it’s worth noting that he had a 4.45 ERA last April but then lowered it to 2.48 the rest of the season, becoming the first knuckleballer to win the Cy Young. It’s also worth noting that 2012 was a statistical anomaly when comparing it to the rest of Dickey’s career.

Another worry for the Jays has to be whether star Jose Bautista is becoming injury prone. The two-time home run champion was limited to 92 games in 2012 because of a wrist injury and missed the entire Red Sox series with an ankle injury. He had two homers and four RBIs in the Indians series but injured his right ankle trying to beat out a double play Thursday. The team believes he will return Tuesday when the Jays start a series in Detroit. Toronto is still the +180 favorite to win the division.

The Baltimore Orioles are +600 to win AL East. The Orioles had an amazing 2012 season by going 29-9 in one-run games, the best mark in baseball history. Entering Monday’s game at Fenway, the Birds already have lost three one-run games this season. Baltimore didn’t lose back-to-back one-run games all of last season. In addition, the Orioles have lost second baseman Brian Roberts for up to a month with a ruptured knee tendon. Roberts is one of the best in the game at his position when healthy, which hasn’t been often. He was hitting .417 before the injury.

The Tampa Bay Rays are +250 to sit atop of the division. Tampa Bay’s reigning Cy Young winner, David Price, was rocked for eight runs and 10 hits in five innings in Sunday’s loss to Cleveland, a team he had been 5-0 against in his career. It’s only the second time in Price’s career he has allowed at least eight runs. Unlike Dickey, Price pitched pretty well in his first start, allowing two runs in six innings of a no-decision against Baltimore. Last year, right-handed batters hit .232 against Price. This year, they are at .417 with two homers. Price will start Saturday at Fenway.

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Photo via Facebook/Toronto Blue Jays

The Red Sox have now won nine straight home openers. That extends the longest streak in club history, and it’s the longest active streak among all major league teams.

All of the Boston’s offense on Monday was supplied by Daniel Nava’s three-run home run in the seventh inning. It was Nava’s second home run of the season — he also went deep on Sunday — and he’s really starting to carve out an important role with the Red Sox.

Clay Buchholz tossed seven shutout frames to earn the win. He allowed just three hits, walked four and struck out eight.

The Red Sox will be off on Tuesday, and then return to action against the O’s on Wednesday. Ryan Dempster will get the start in that game, which kicks off at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Good night, everyone.

End 8th, Red Sox 3-0: Tommy Hunter, who replaced Wei-Yin Chen in the seventh inning, came back out to pitch the eighth.

He retired the side in order, and now Joel Hanrahan will look to close out the O’s in the ninth.

Mid 8th, Red Sox 3-0: Andrew Bailey is adapting well to his new setup role.

Bailey retired the side in order in the eighth inning, and the Red Sox are three outs away from recording their ninth straight home opener victory.

Bailey struck out Nate McLouth and Manny Machado to begin the eighth. He dialed it up to 95 mph to get McLouth looking, and he then got Machado to fan on some offspeed stuff.

Nick Markakis flew out to center field to end the inning.

End 7th, Red Sox 3-0: Wei-Yin Chen cruised through the first six innings, but the seventh proved to be problematic for the Orioles starter.

Chen departed after giving up a three-run bomb to Daniel Nava.

Dustin Pedroia led off the seventh with an infield single on a ball up the middle. Mike Napoli then smoked a double into left-center field (the ball landed around the base of the wall). Pedroia took a wide turn around third base, but he then threw on the breaks, setting up runners at second and third for Nava.

Nava turned on a 1-1 offering from Chen, and blasted it over everything in left field. It’s Nava’s second home run of the season, as he also went deep in Sunday’s route.

Clay Buchholz is now in line to earn the win if the Boston bullpen can close the door in the final two innings. Andrew Bailey will pitch the eighth for the Sox.

Mid 7th, 0-0: Clay Buchholz is up to 113 pitches, so his day is likely done. The right-hander was tremendous, though.

Buchholz picked up two strikeouts in the top of the seventh after issuing a leadoff walk to Matt Wieters. The first victim was J.J. Hardy, and the second was Steve Pearce, whose halfhearted wave at an outside fastball ended the inning.

Buchholz allowed just three hits in seven innings. He did walk four, but he also racked up eight K’s.

Koji Uehara has been warming up in the Red Sox’ bullpen, so there’s a good chance we’ll see him in the eighth. Maybe the Sox can finally muster up some offense beforehand, though, and help get Buchholz a victory. As of now, Buchholz is in line for a no decision if he exits.

End 6th, 0-0: We’ve got a pitchers’ duel brewing.

Wei-Yin Chen was once again sharp in the sixth inning. He quickly worked his way through the Boston order, and we’re still scoreless at Fenway.

Jose Iglesias bounced out to his counterpart at shortstop for the first out. Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino each flew out to center field to end the inning.

Chen has surrendered just two hits and two walks in this game. He has thrown 87 pitches (56 strikes) thus far.

Mid 6th, 0-0: Clay Buchholz continues to cruise along. In fact, he looks to be getting stronger.

Buchholz enjoyed his first 1-2-3 inning of the game in the sixth. He got Nick Markakis to ground out to first and Adam Jones to line out sharply to right field before capping off the inning with a strikeout of Chris Davis.

Davis had worked two walks before his sixth-inning at-bat, but Buchholz was much more aggressive after falling behind 2-0 in the AB. He got the hot-hitting slugger looking with a 94 mph fastball to record the K.

Buchholz has six strikeouts through six innings. He’s thrown 90 pitches thus far.

End 5th, 0-0: Clay Buchholz has pitched well for Boston, but Wei-Yin Chen has been equally as impressive for Baltimore.

Chen gave up a single to Daniel Nava, who has now reached safely twice in this game, but he once again limited the threat. Chen struck out both Will Middlebrooks and Jonny Gomes in the fifth inning while keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard.

David Ross grounded out to end the frame.

Mid 5th, 0-0: Clay Buchholz hasn’t had a 1-2-3 inning yet in this game, but he has kept the Orioles off the scoreboard through five innings.

Ryan Flaherty started the inning by grounding out to Mike Napoli, and Buchholz fanned Steve Pearce for out No. 2. Nate McLouth would reach, though, after Buchholz had some trouble locating his fastball.

Buchholz fell behind 3-0 to McLouth before battling back to get to 3-2. He then missed with a 93-mph fastball, and McLouth reached for the second time.

Buchholz ensured the walk didn’t hurt him by getting Manny Machado to fly out to right field. Buchholz is up to 76 pitches thus far.

End 4th, 0-0: Shane Victorino gave the Red Sox their first hit of the game in the fourth inning, but he was then caught stealing, which killed any potential threat.

Victorino lined a base hit into left-center, and he was later gunned down at second with Dustin Pedroia batting. Pedroia would eventually earn a walk after Victorino’s caught stealing, but Wei-Yin Chen got Mike Napoli to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Clay Buchholz has pitched well for Boston thus far, but the Red Sox’ bats have been quiet. Clearly, Sunday’s offensive momentum hasn’t carried over.

Mid 4th, 0-0: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

That’s good advice for the kids out there, and Dustin Pedroia used the mindset to his advantage in the fourth inning.

Chris Davis earned his second walk of the game to lead off the inning. Matt Wieters then hit a ball right at Pedroia, who looked to spin a double play. Pedroia bobbled the ball, however, and he had to hurry just to record one out at second base.

While the force out made life a little bit more difficult, the Red Sox would enjoy a double play moments later when J.J. Hardy also grounded to Pedroia.

End 3rd, 0-0: Nate McLouth was a busy man in the third inning.

David Ross, Jose Iglesias and Jacoby Ellsbury each flew out to the Orioles left fielder, making for an easy inning for Wei-Yin Chen.

Clay Buchholz now heads back to work having thrown 51 pitches (30 strikes) thus far.

Mid 3rd, 0-0: Clay Buchholz got two quick outs in the third inning, but back-to-back singles threatened to break the scoreless tie. In the end, though, Buchholz buckled down to strand the two runners.

The inning started with Steve Pearce grounding out to Will Middlebrooks at third. Buchholz then struck out Nate McLouth looking with a fastball on the outside corner.

Manny Machado singled into center field, and Nick Markakis ripped a hot shot past Middlebrooks to put runners at first and second.

While the hits made for a few tense moments, Buchholz bounced back to strike out Adam Jones.

End 2nd, 0-0: Daniel Nava continues to put together good at-bats. He worked a two-out walk in the second inning. Unfortunately for the Sox, they couldn’t do anything with it.

Wei-Yin Chen started the inning by getting Mike Napoli to fly out to center. Napoli hit it right on the screws, but it was lined right at Adam Jones, who barely had to move to make the catch.

Will Middlebrooks was the next to take his cuts, and he received a loud ovation. Something tells me his three bombs on Sunday has something to do with that. Middlebrooks has four home runs total this season, which is actually more than eight major league teams as of Monday’s first pitch.

Middlebrooks didn’t fare so well this time around. He flew out to Nick Markakis in right field for the second out.

Nava’s walk was followed up by a pop out by Jonny Gomes. Gomes actually strung together a nice AB by fouling off a number of pitches, but Chen got him to pop up a fastball on the 10th pitch of the at-bat.

Mid 2nd, 0-0: Clay Buchholz again allowed the leadoff man to reach, but again he worked around the blemish.

Buchholz issued a walk to Chris Davis to begin the second inning. He retired the next three hitters, though, including two via strikeouts.

Matt Wieters followed up Davis’ walk by lifting a fly ball deep to right field. Shane Victorino had it sized up all the way, and he made the grab at the edge of the warning track.

Buchholz then struck out J.J. Hardy and Ryan Flaherty. Buchholz froze Hardy with a fastball on the outside corner, and he got Flaherty to foul tip a fastball into the mitt of catcher David Ross.

End 1st, 0-0: The Orioles played some nice defense in the first inning, and it allowed Wei-Yin Chen to work a 1-2-3 frame.

Jacoby Ellsbury led off by popping out to second base. That was routine, but there was nothing routine about the next out.

Shane Victorino — who stepped up to the plate to “Buffalo Solider,” for all you scoring at home — hit a rocket down to third base. Manny Machado made a great, leaping grab to possibly rob Victorino of an extra-base hit.

Dustin Pedroia ended the inning with a sharp comebacker that Chen nabbed.

Mid 1st, 0-0: Clay Buchholz gave up a leadoff single, but it was then smooth sailing from there.

Buchholz got ahead of Nate McLouth, but Baltimore’s leadoff man eventually singled into center field.

Buchholz checked on McLouth over at first a few times, but the right-hander didn’t led the leadoff hit linger in his mind too much. Buchholz retired the next three hitters he faced.

Manny Machado popped out to Mike Napoli in foul territory, and Nick Markakis and Adam Jones then flew out. The sun is certainly bright at game time, and that was evident on the popup, as Napoli really had to shield his eyes.

2:08 p.m.: Clay Buchholz’s first pitch is fouled off by Nate McLouth, and we’re under way at Fenway.

2:05 p.m.: It’s always awesome to see some old faces on Opening Day. A number of Red Sox legends caught the ceremonial first pitch, which was delivered by several Jimmy Fund patients.

Earlier in the day, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield were spotted in the Red Sox’ clubhouse.

1:55 p.m.: Flyovers = Awesome.

1:45 p.m.: John Lackey’s status still remains a little unclear, but the news surrounding the right-hander is very encouraging.

John Farrell said before the game that Lackey is in the midst of a 48-to-72 hour recovery period, and that the MRI Lackey underwent on Sunday revealed some inflammation in his bicep. The good news is that no structural damage was detected.

It’s unlikely Lackey will be available for his next scheduled start, but Farrell said that he’s not at a point where a DL stint is guaranteed. That’s surprising considering how serious Lackey’s injury initially looked.

When Lackey stumbled off the mound on Saturday, it was fair to assume the worst. Fortunately for the Sox, it doesn’t sound like the veteran will be sidelined very long, though.

Click here to read more about Lackey’s injury >>

1:05 p.m.: We’re about an hour away from the first pitch thrown at Fenway Park this season, and you can definitely sense the excitement around the ballpark. I guess that’s what happens when the Sox return home on a positive note.

The Sox enter Monday’s game having won their last eight home openers, dating back to 2005. It’s the longest home opener winning streak in club history, and it’s the longest active streak in the bigs.

Manager John Farrell sounds excited to be back. Obviously, this isn’t his first rodeo at Fenway Park, but he said before the game that he never envisioned while he was Boston’s pitching coach that he’d someday return to Fenway as Red Sox manager. That’s mainly because the Red Sox were enjoying so much success under Terry Francona at the time.

Click here to read Farrell’s comments >>

11:43 a.m.: Jackie Bradley Jr. is hitting just .143 (3-for-21) to begin the season, so manager John Farrell has decided to give the rookie the day off with a left-hander on the hill.

Farrell instead is turning to Daniel Nava to play left field. Nava, who went deep in Sunday’s blowout victory, will bat sixth.

Jonny Gomes will serve as the Red Sox’ DH on Monday, while David Ross will get the start behind the plate.

The rest of Monday’s lineups are below.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
David Ross, C
Jose Iglesias, SS

Clay Buchholz, P

Orioles
Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Steve Pearce, DH

Wei-Yin Chen, P

8 a.m. ET: We’re already six games into the new baseball season, but Monday is when it’ll really start to sink in.

The Red Sox will finally begin their 2013 home schedule, and there’s just something so right about baseball at Fenway Park. This season’s home opener is even more exciting in the Boston area because the hometown club enters the game on the heels of a solid road trip to begin the year.

The Sox went 4-2 during their trip, which took them to the Bronx and then up to Toronto. They capped off the journey with a 13-0 blowout win over the Blue Jays on Sunday. Will Middlebrooks went deep three times as part of Boston’s six home run attack, and Jon Lester looked very much like the ace Boston needs him to be this season.

The Red Sox will now have to deal with a third AL East foe on Monday. They’ll host the Orioles, who enter the contest with a 3-3 record and swinging some hot bats.

Clay Buchholz will get the start for Boston. His first pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. ET, and NESN’s coverage will start up at noon ET. Be sure to tune in, and also keep it right here.

The Orioles seemed to take great delight in beating the Red Sox early and often last year, but you wouldn’t necessarily know that judging by the way 2013 has started.

With the O’s back for Boston’s home opener, Adam Jones fired some preliminary shots toward the Sox by admitting a wish to “silence” the Fenway Park crowd. The Red Sox, meanwhile, have yet to respond.

NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette is a little surprised at the lack of fireworks in this game — in more ways than one. Check it out in the above video.

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Daniel Nava will start in left field in Bradley’s place. It’s the fourth position Nava has played this season. He’s already started games at designated hitter and first base, and has also played two innings in right field. Nava is batting .400 with one home run, three RBIs and two walks.

Facing lefty Wei-Yin Chen, Jonny Gomes gets the start at DH in the seven hole. David Ross will get his third start of the season catching Clay Buchholz.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
David Ross., C
Jose Iglesias, SS

Clay Buchholz, RHP

Orioles
Nate McLouth, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Steve Pearce, DH

Wei-Yin Chen, LHP

With the Orioles and Red Sox having only a short history of bad blood between them, and with both expected to be picking up the scraps in the American League East this year, trash talk heading into the teams’ first meeting wouldn’t appear to be in the cards. But Jones is providing just that as Baltimore prepares to face Boston for the first time this season at Fenway Park’s Opening Day on Monday.

“It’s important,” Jones said of the O’s playing well Monday, according to The Boston Globe. “You’ve seen the last couple days. You look on the scoreboard [Sunday]. [The Red Sox] had 13 runs, and they put them up quick, too.

“I think they are swinging the bats. We’ve got to go out there … and spoil their Opening Day.”

That sounds innocuous enough, but Jones wasn’t just talking about the final line on the scoreboard. He had something else in mind: quieting the resurgent Red Sox faithful, who are starting to get excited about their 4-2 team and its quality pitching, hitting and hustle so far this season.

“The more people, the more you want to shut them up,” Jones said of what is expected to be a packed Fenway Park. “That’s how I look at it. I don’t care. They can stand up the whole game. They do anyway. But when you can silence 40,000 people, it’s pretty cool.”

He’s got a point. But when 40,000 people won’t quiet down, that’s pretty cool, too — and possibly on tap Monday.

Click here for more on a possible Boston-Baltimore rivalry>>

Guerrero, who turned 38 in February, will continue taking hacks in the batter’s box, but this time it will be with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

The designated hitter played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, posting a .290 batting average and slugging 13 home runs.

Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Vladimir Guerrero

Police in Almeida, Florida arrested local resident Robert Pham on Wednesday in connection to a Super Bowl ticket scam that cost some 49ers fans $5,900, according to the Mercury News.

Pham, 37, claimed to be a Ravens fan on Craigslist and claimed to be selling four tickets to the big game. Sharon Osgood, a Haywood, Florida resident and 49ers fan, bought the tickets for the near $6,000, but when the package arrived there was nothing but some messages that read “Go Ravens! LOL!” among other taunts.

Osgood was outraged by the hoax, but at least feels some comfort now that the super scammer has been caught.

“There was still all that anger about how could somebody do this and just think it was OK and send a note like that,” Osgood said. “Now it’s kind of come to closure.”

So, while the Super Bowl loss may still sting for many 49ers fans, at least a select few can take solace in recouping their own losses.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Chris Young

Young, who was an All-Star as a member of the Padres in 2007, had been pitching for the Nationals this spring, but the club granted him his release on Tuesday. Young reportedly “loved” playing with the Nationals, but he exercised his opt-out clause in the hopes of securing a major league contract elsewhere.

Realizing that Young would soon hit the open market, a number of teams sent scouts to Young’s start against the Astros on Monday. Those teams included the Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, Twins, Indians, Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers and Mets, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

The Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore reports that the Nats are “hopeful, if not optimistic,” that they can lure Young back if he doesn’t find a major league deal elsewhere, but the 33-year-old has put together a rather impressive spring.

Young made four starts and allowed five runs (four earned) in 16 innings (2.25 ERA) before his release. He held opposing hitters to a .193 average, and he didn’t allow a run in his last nine innings.

Young made 20 starts with the Mets last season, and went 4-9 with a 4.15 ERA. The righty notched back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2005 and 2006, before then earning the All-Star nod while going 9-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 2007.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Chris Young

Adam Jones hit a pair of home runs, and the O’s launched five long balls in total. They also banged out 17 hits as part of their offensive assault, which was aided by the windy conditions in Sarasota.

Jones ended his day with three hits, as did Chris Davis and J.J. Hardy. Matt Wieters finished with two hits, and he joined Jones in the home run parade. Hardy and Wilson Betemit also went deep.

The Red Sox’ offense wasn’t too shabby, either. The Sox scored their nine runs on 16 hits, which included home runs from Christian Vazquez and Jonny Gomes.

Will Middlebrooks, who has been swinging a hot stick, finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Gomes, Bradley, Vazquez and Mike Napoli each had two hits in the losing effort.

Bradley, who entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning, hit a two-run single in his first-bat, which tied the game 9-9 at the time. He would later add the triple with two outs in the ninth.

Graham Godfrey got the start for Boston, and he was victimized by the treacherous conditions. He gave up six earned runs on nine hits while striking out three. Clayton Moretensen, Jose De La Torre, Anthony Carter, Miguel Celestino and Chris Martin also got in work for the Sox

The Red Sox will enjoy an off-day on Tuesday, before then hosting the Marlins at JetBlue Park on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET. Jon Lester is expected to start.

End 8th, Orioles 12-9: The Red Sox’ two top prospects combined for the final out of the inning.

Bradley tracked down a ball hit into the gap by Alexi Casilla, and he quickly fired it back into the infield. It was cut off by shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who tossed over to second for the third out.

If you’re not encouraged by these two guys, you’re out of your mind.

Mid 8th, Orioles 12-9: Drew Sutton picked up a two-out single, but it was an otherwise nice inning for Orioles reliever Darren O’Day.

Dan Butler popped out for the first out. Mauro Gomez then hit a ball that might have left the yard a few innings prior. It was a high fly ball to left that actually seemed to get knocked down by the wind rather than be carried by it. Sorry, Mauro.

After Drew Sutton singled, Lyle Overbay struck out swinging to end the inning.

End 7th, Orioles 12-9: It’s a great day to be a hitter. If you’re a pitcher, well, keep your head up.

J.J. Hardy connected on Baltimore’s fifth home run of the game, and the Orioles responded to the Red Sox’ three-run top half of the inning with a three-run bottom half.

Adam Jones singled to lead off, and Matt Wieters then grounded into a force out, before Chris Davis scooped up a single of his own. J.J. Hardy then jumped all over a high fastball from Miguel Celestino, sending it sailing over the fence in left.

Hardy is now 3-for-4 with four RBIs. He is far from the only hitter with multiple hits, though. Adam Jones and Chris Davis each have three hits, and Matt Wieters has two. The O’s have 15 hits in total through seven innings.

Mid 7th, 9-9: The legend of Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to grow.

Will Middlebrooks and Lyle Overbay led off the seventh inning with back-to-back singles. Ryan Sweeney then flew out to right field, which allowed Drew Sutton — who pinch ran for Middlebrooks — to scamper up to third. Mike Carp drove Sutton in with a double down the left-field line that rolled around the corner.

That’s when Bradley added to his amazing spring.

Bradley fell behind in the count against Pedro Strop, but it didn’t faze the young outfielder in the least. The 22-year-old ripped a base hit back up the middle, which plated two runs and tied the game at nine apiece.

Bradley is now batting .434 (23-for-53) with two home runs and 11 RBIs in his first big league camp.

End 6th, Orioles 9-6: Impressive inning for Anthony Carter on a day when the ball is flying every which way.

Carter shut the Orioles down in order in the seventh, so perhaps the Red Sox can get a little momentum going here as we enter the final three frames.

Ryan Flaherty struck out swinging, Brian Roberts grounded out to second and Nate McLouth flew out to left. That basically sums up the rather uneventful — yet easy — inning.

The Red Sox did make some substitutions, though. Daniel Nava, Mike Carp, Xander Bogaerts and Dan Butler are in. Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Jose Iglesias and Christian Vazquez are out.

Mid 6th, Orioles 9-6: Jonny Gomes has watched a few balls sail over the fence in this game, so perhaps that fueled the powerful outfielder.

Christian Vazquez, who hit a home run back in the second inning, smoked a one-out double into the left-center field gap. That set the stage for Jonny Gomes’ two-run bomb two batters later.

Jim Johnson, the talented Orioles closer who recorded 51 saves last season, left a slider up to Gomes, and he paid for it.

Anthony Carter is coming on to pitch for Boston.

End 5th, Orioles 9-4: Jose De La Torre kept the Orioles off the scoreboard for the first time since the first inning, but Wilson Betemit’s injury is the biggest takeaway.

Betemit worked a one-out walk. Then, with Manny Machado popping one up,  Betemit took off running. Betemit seemed to hyperextend his leg while between first and second, though, and he went crashing to the ground in pain.

Mid 5th, Orioles 9-4: The Orioles have certainly done a much better job of dealing with the wind.

Lyle Overbay hit a popup down to third to lead off. Initially, it looked like trouble, since everything hit in the air in this game has the potential to be disastrous. Manny Machado managed to handle it without any issues, though.

Mark Hendrickson, who entered the game before the inning, then got Ryan Sweeney to ground out and Jose Iglesias to line out.

End 4th, Orioles 9-4: The ball is flying out of the yard in windy Sarasota.

Adam Jones decided one blast wasn’t enough, and the All-Star center fielder jacked his second home run of the game. This one sailed over the left-field fence, although it wasn’t before some brief confusion for left fielder Jonny Gomes.

Gomes looked initially like he had the fly ball sized up, but the wind — again — got a hold of it, and he seemed to lose track of it. Gomes even threw his palm to the sky before realizing that the ball was about to travel over the fence.

That blast came after Brian Roberts worked a leadoff walk and Nate McLouth popped out, so it was of the two-run variety.

The next batter, Matt Wieters, decided to take his cuts this time around, after dropping down a bunt single in his last at-bat. It worked out well for the talented, young catcher, as he sent a bomb sailing over the center-field fence to give Baltimore its ninth run of the game.

The Orioles’ three fourth-inning runs came off Clayton Mortensen, who entered the game before the frame.

Mid 4th, Orioles 6-4: The Red Sox had a great opportunity to erase the Orioles’ lead, but Will Middlebrooks struck out with the bases loaded.

Brock Holt started with a single, and Christian Vazquez struck out swinging before the O’s brought in Sean Gleason to replace starter T.J. McFarland. Gleason walked Jonny Gomes, and then hit Mike Napoli on the shoulder to load the bases.

The pitch that hit Napoli was a bit scary, as it was up around the head area. Clearly, though, it was one that just got away from Gleason.

Middlebrooks, who is one of the team’s hottest hitters, already has two hard-hit singles in this game, and he’s responsible for driving in two of Boston’s four runs. He couldn’t add to his total, though, as Gleason won the battle via the K.

End 3rd, Orioles 6-4: What a bizarre half inning.

Nate McLouth led off with a ground out, but things got very interesting from there.

Adam Jones crushed his first home run of the spring over the center-field fence, once again proving that the ball is really carrying. So how would Matt Wieters and Chris Davis — both of whom have plenty of power — fare in the hitter-friendly conditions?

Well, Wieters beat the Red Sox’ shift by dropping a bunt down the third-base line. Perhaps impressed, Davis decided to do the same, and both sluggers reached via bunt singles.

J.J. Hardy wouldn’t make it three bunts in a row. Instead, he lifted a sky-high fly ball to left field that gave Jonny Gomes a ton of trouble. Gomes first started sprinting toward the line, before then realizing that the wind was going to push the ball all the way back near the fence. The ball eventually landed on the warning track and bounced up into the seats, allowing Wieters to score and Davis to advance to third.

Wilson Betemit, who already has a home run in this one, hit a sac fly to make it a 6-4 lead.

Mid 3rd, Red Sox 4-3: Mike Napoli is swinging a hot bat, but his baserunning could use some work.

Jonny Gomes lined a single into left field to get the inning going, and Napoli followed up with hard-hit single into center. Napoli is now 2-for-2 in this one, and 5-for-6 over the last two games, raising his spring average to .351.

Napoli got caught up on the bases a little bit after reaching, though.

Will Middlebrooks smoked a ball into right field that got caught up in the jet stream and sailed over the head of Ryan Flaherty. It ricocheted off the right-field wall, but since Napoli expected it to be caught, he could only advance to second base, leaving Middlebrooks with a very long single. Gomes did come around to score from second base, at least, so that gave the Red Sox a 4-3 lead.

Napoli would advance to third on Lyle Overbay’s fly out to right, but his mistake on Ryan Sweeney’s comebacker to the mound may have cost the Sox a run. Napoli got caught up in no man’s land, and he was tagged out between third and home.

End 2nd, 3-3: The Red Sox’ three-run lead evaporated quicker than it was built.

After Chris Davis singled and J. J. Hardy doubled to lead off the inning, Wilson Betemit connected on a three-run moonshot to center field. The wind clearly played a factor — as it did on Christian Vazquez’s home run — but Betemit still did a nice job of staying back and taking advantage of a high offering from Red Sox starter Graham Godfrey.

Following the home run, Manny Machado ripped one down to Will Middlebrooks at third. The Boston third baseman didn’t have much time to react, though, and the ball shot past him and into left field. Fortunately for the Sox, Brian Roberts grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

Mid 2nd, Red Sox 3-0: Two players known more for their defensive prowess than their offensive ability helped extend Boston’s lead in the second.

Jose Iglesias, who went 3-for-3 on Sunday, struck a one-out single up the middle. Two batters later, catcher Christian Vazquez crushed a two-run homer over the left-field fence to give the Sox a 3-0 edge.

Vazquez’s strong throwing arm behind the plate has turned heads this spring. He’s been clocked at 1.7 seconds in delivering a throw down to second base, which is far better than the 2.0-second league average. If he can continue to make strides offensively, he’ll become an even more intriguing prospect in the Red Sox’ system.

Iglesias’ offensive improvements continue as well. His spring average is now up to .286, and it seems like he has the Opening Day shortstop job pretty much locked up.

Click here to read more about Iglesias >>

End 1st, Red Sox 1-0: Lyle Overbay is still looking to prove he deserves a roster spot, and he certainly helped his cause in the first.

After Brian Roberts grounded out, Nate McLouth hit a hot shot into right-center field. It took a while for Ryan Sweeney to arrive at the ball in right field, and McLouth — who was hustling right out of the box — managed to secure a double.

Adam Jones then struck out on a pitch inside, and Matt Wieters threatened to drive in McLouth. Wieters ripped a hard ground ball to the right side, but Overbay made a nice, diving stop, and flipped over to first to retire the side.

Mid 1st, Red Sox 1-0: T.J. McFarland got a couple of quick outs before running into the buzzsaw that is the middle of the Boston order.

Mike Napoli went 3-for-4 on Sunday, while Will Middlebrooks went 2-for-4. Middlebrooks actually would have been 3-for-4 as well if not for a great, diving catch by Phillies center fielder Ben Revere. Their hot hitting continued in the first inning of this one.

Napoli smacked an opposite-field double down the right-field line, and Will Middlebrooks followed up with a single into left-center field. Middlebrooks has nine extra-base hits over his past nine games, and his base hit in the first inning gave Boston an early 1-0 lead.

1:06 p.m.: We’re off and running in Sarasota…

1 p.m.: We’re just about ready for baseball in Sarasota, where the Sox and O’s will be hooking up for the last of their five spring training contests. The O’s are winless in the first four meetings (0-3-1), so they’ll be hoping for a boost from the home crowd in this one.

As you may have noticed, Jacoby Ellsbury is out of the starting lineup for Boston. He jammed his heel during Sunday’s game, although he said after the contest that the injury isn’t concerning. He could be back in the lineup as soon as Wednesday, as the Red Sox are off on Tuesday.

There’s also some good news to pass along regarding David Ortiz and Stephen Drew. Ortiz took batting practice in the cage on Monday, and it might not be long before he starts to take some cuts on the field. Drew had another full day of workouts on the field.

For those interested in some additional reading throughout this game, the weekly baseball mailbag has been posted. Feel free to check that out at the link below.

Click here to read the MLB mailbag >>

10:45 a.m.: The Sox enter Monday’s game against the O’s on the heels of a 7-6 victory over the Phillies on Sunday. Jackie Bradley Jr. had a home run and four RBIs in that contest to power Boston’s 14-hit barrage, but he’ll be out of the lineup when the action kicks off on Monday afternoon. The outfield will instead feature Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino and Ryan Sweeney from left to right, respectively.

One player to keep an eye on is Lyle Overbay. The veteran first baseman has the option of opting out of his contract on Tuesday, although there’s still a good chance he could crack Boston’s Opening Day roster given the club’s need for a backup first baseman. Overbay and Mike Carp have been battling for playing time in that role throughout the spring.

Check out Monday’s lineups below.

Red Sox
Shane Victorino, CF
Jonny Gomes, LF
Mike Napoli, DH
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Jose Iglesias, SS
Brock Holt, 2B
Christian Vazquez, C

Graham Godfrey, P

Orioles
Brian Roberts, 2B
Nate McLouth, LF
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Chris Davis, 1B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Wilson Betemit, DH
Manny Machado, 3B
Ryan Flaherty, RF

T.J. McFarland, P

8 a.m.ET: In exactly one week, the Red Sox will be gearing up for their regular-season opener against the Yankees. There are still some questions to be answered between now and then, though, and Monday’s game against the Orioles will offer another chance for some clarification.

Graham Godfrey will start on the mound for the Red Sox, marking his first appearance of the spring. He was acquired from Oakland in exchange for pitcher Sandy Rosario back in December after spending the majority of his 2012 season with Triple-A Sacramento.

Godfrey is scheduled to be followed by Clayton Mortensen, Jose De La Torre and Anthony Carter.

Monday’s game is expected to start up at 1:05 p.m. ET, so be sure to keep it right here for all of your hardball needs.

The Super Bowl champion has historically opened the NFL season at home on Thursday night of Week 1, but the Orioles have a home game scheduled for that night as well. Since the O’s and Ravens share a parking lot, playing both games is not possible. Moving the baseball game to earlier in the day would also be problematic, since the Orioles and White Sox, their opponents, are flying in to Baltimore the night before.

After trying to find a solution, the Orioles released a statement Friday announcing that they would not move their game.

“Given the limited options available to reschedule the game at that late date in the season, the parties jointly determined that even an earlier start time would still create such enormous logistical difficulties that it would greatly diminish the fan experience for both events which all parties realized would not be in the interest of their fans or the City,” the statement read.

The Ravens will now open their season on the road, quite possibly in New England against the Patriots.