The Boston Red Sox have received two surprisingly effective starts out of both Jake Peavy and Clay Buchholz to begin their series against the Chicago Cubs. Despite that, the Sox are hoping to avoid being swept in the series finale on Wednesday night.
That’s because the Boston offense has been nonexistent through the first two games of the series against the North Siders with just one run combined. They’ll look to reverse that trend on Wednesday night against Chicago starter Travis Wood.
Wood is a left-hander, so the Red Sox will load up on right-handed bats for the final game of the three-game set. Stephen Drew and Jackie Bradley Jr. will both sit against Wood. Jonathan Herrera will hit ninth and play short while Jonny Gomes is inserted into the lineup in the five-hole and will play left field.
Wood is facing the Sox for the first time in his career. Only Drew, Herrera, Brock Holt and A.J. Pierzynski have ever faced the southpaw, and they’re a combined 2-for-15 against Wood.
Brandon Workman will start for the Red Sox. He lost his last time out against the New York Yankees. He gave up four runs on seven hits over a career-high seven innings.
Here are the lineups for the series finale.
Red Sox (38-46)
Brock Holt, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Mookie Betts, CF
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Brandon Workman, P
Cubs (36-46)
Chris Coghlan, LF
Justin Ruggiano, CF
Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Starlin Castro, SS
Luis Valbuena, DH
Wellington Castillo, C
Nate Schierholtz, RF
Mike Olt, 3B
Darwin Barney, 2B
Travis Wood, P
