Red Sox @ Orioles Preview (UPDATE - LINEUP)

Jon Lester vs. Alfredo Simon for the Red Sox to have a chance at making the playoffs. It shouldn't even be a question that the Red Sox win this game, but like the rest of this month nothing is certain or easy.

Lester has lost 3 starts in a row and has a 10.54 ERA in those games. Plus, he is now starting on 3 games rest. So, there is serious reason for concern. Everytime I think the Red Sox have the pitching advantage the Red Sox seem to lose. Yet, there are reasons to think the Sox will win tonight.

Lester is 14-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 17 starts against Baltimore, winning all seven of his decisions in nine visits to Camden Yards. Scary words to say he has never lost, but it's a fact.

Going against Lester is Alfredo Simon. He is 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in six starts. If Boston doesn't score 6-8 runs against this guy it will be a let down. No excuse, this guy is a righty, he is terrible, in they are playing in a ballpark where the ball seems to be flying out of the park on command.

I am hoping to Lavarnway in the lineup tonight. I know it was just one game last night, but over the past month Tek hasn't been able to stay on the field, and Solty is banged up and in a horrible slump.

Whatever the lineup the Sox need Lester to pitch 6-7 innings. I say that because I think the Rays are going to win with Price on the mound against whatever shitbum the Yankees are going to throw out there. With the Rays winning and the Sox most likely putting Lackey out there they are going to need Aceves ready to go.

I always have a lot of faith in Lester. I thought going into the season he was a top 10 pitcher in the MLB. He hasn't been that this year. He has been good overall, but not great. Big time pitchers pitch in big time games. Ask Schilling, so whatever is off with him needs to be corrected tonight. Again, I'll put my faith behind him.

Red Sox win 9-3
Player of the Game: Ellsbury
Game starts at 7:05pm

***UPDATED***

Sox lineup tonight...

Ellsbury, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Ortiz, DH
Gonzalez, 1B
Lavarnway, C
Drew, RF
Scutaro, SS
Crawford, RF
Aviles, 3B

I like it. Little surprised Lowrie isn't in the lineup tonight, but I am happy to see Lavarnway in there.