The Red Sox inched closer to locking down the best record in the American League with a huge win over the Orioles on Friday night.
Boston’s magic number is down to 1, and the Red Sox can secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win or an Oakland loss. The Red Sox will look to build off their offensive success (four home runs, 16 hits) from their first game of the series against Baltimore as they send Jon Lester to the mound on Saturday night.
In Lester’s last start, the left-hander had plenty to feel good about as he led the Red Sox to their first division title since 2007, and he also earned his 100th career win on the special night. Lester held the Blue Jays to just one earned run over seven innings. He’ll be opposed by fellow southpaw Wei-Yin Chen, who has not recorded a win against the Red Sox all year, in the second game of the series.
Jacoby Ellsbury, who is still recovering from his foot injury, has started in both games since returning to the team, but the center fielder will get the night off Saturday. Shane Victorino sat out in Friday’s contest, but he’ll be taking over the leadoff position and getting the nod in center field.
David Ortiz will also be watching from the dugout as Mike Napoli will take over the designated hitter duties, and Brandon Snyder will get the start at first base.
Check out the complete lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (97-63)
Shane Victorino, CF
Stephen Drew, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
Daniel Nava, RF
Brandon Snyder, 1B
David Ross, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jon Lester, LHP
Baltimore Orioles (83-77)
Brian Roberts, 2B
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Davis, 1B
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Danny Valencia, 3B
Nick Markakis, RF
Steve Pearce, DH
Jason Pridie, LF
Wei-Yin Chen, LHP
