Boston lost its first two against the bluebirds in disappointing fashion, falling 6-1 on Friday night, just a day after Cody Ross' walk-off heroics. Then the Sox dropped their Saturday night game 7-3. On a day set aside to honor Jason Varitek, current catcher Jarrod Saltalmacchia was the only one who could muster life at the plate, cranking a three-run homer for Boston's only runs of the evening.
The Red Sox enter Sunday afternoon's game looking to avoid a sweep. They'll be leaning on Jon Lester (5-7, 4.80 ERA), who has really struggled lately but is 1-1 against Toronto this year. Pitching for the Blue Jays will be Henderson Alvarez (5-7, 4.29).
Manager Bobby Valentine is taking advantage of his deep roster for the Sunday matinee. Carl Crawford will get a rest from his outfield duties, leaving an extra spot in the lineup for the outfielding corps of Daniel Nava (left field), Ryan Sweeney (right field) and Ross (designated hitter). Jacoby Ellsbury will bat first and play center field.
Ross, who has been phenomenal at several points for the Red Sox this season, really lifted the team on Thursday night when he salvaged a 1-0 loss by blasting a three-run walk-off homer for the win. He's batting a crisp 10-for-25 (.400) in his last seven games, including three monster games where he belted three home runs and drove in nine runs last week.
Ross is 2-for-4 in his career against Alvarez. A few other Red Sox have also had some success against the righty: Adrian Gonzalez (3-for-10), Sweeney (4-for-10), Dustin Pedroia (3-for-9) and Nava (2-for-6). Saltalamacchia (0-for-9) and Nick Punto (0-for-4) have never had a hit off of Alvarez, though.
Check out the complete lineups for Sunday's game.
Red Sox (48-47)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Daniel Nava LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Cody Ross DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Ryan Sweeney RF
Mike Aviles SS
Nick Punto 3B
Jon Lester P
Blue Jays (47-47)
Brett Lawrie 3B
Yunel Escobar SS
Colby Rasmus CF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
J.P. Arencibia DH
Rajai Davis RF
Travis Snider LF
Jeff Mathis C
Omar Vizquel 2B
Henderson Alvarez P
