Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz are all slated to take the mound during the series, and the Sox will need solid outings from all three to string together some wins and claw their way toward the top of the American League East.
Lester will lead things off, taking the hill on Tuesday. He will be looking to improve on his 3-4 record and latest outing, which rendered 10 hits and four earned runs in 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers.
Beckett had a similar start against the Tigers, giving up 10 hits and four earned runs over 7 innings and falling to 4-5 on the season. The Sox will need Beckett to be in top form to help boost them over the Orioles.
Meanwhile, Buchholz, who has struggled with inconsistency, will look to build off of a strong start against the Blue Jays. He pitched eight innings, giving up six hits and two earned runs while striking out seven.
In the event that their starters aren’t on their game, the Sox will have to turn to their bullpen for help.
Alfredo Aceves nabbed his 14th save of the season Saturday, closing out Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Blue Jays. He allowed no hits and struck out one in one inning pitched.
On Sunday, Franklin Morales helped out starter Daniel Bard, who gave up five runs and lasted only 1 2/3 innings. Morales tossed 4 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and striking out four.
Who do you think will be this week’s Amica Pitcher of the Week?