The Rockies are in Boston today and will be playing a two game series with the Red Sox at historic Fenway Park. The Rockies had a rough start to the road trip as they lost five straight but have won the last two and will be looking to win a couple more before heading home on Thursday. The Red Sox got off to a great start this year with a 20-8 record, but over their last 50 games they have managed to only break even at 25-25. Their bullpen has given them some issues and Andrew Bailey is no longer the closer for the team. The Rockies are hoping that the Red Sox remain mediocre at least for the next two games so they can continue building their record on the plus side of the .500 mark.
Juan Nicasio will be taking on the Red Sox as they begin their short two game series against each other. Nicasio comes into the game today with a 4-3 record and a 4.78 ERA on the year. He took the loss in his last game out against the Blue Jays as he was only able to go five innings allowing four hits four runs (two earned) and walked one and struck out three. He worked deeper into counts which drove his pitch count up to 97 after just five innings of work. Nicasio has lloked like he is on the verge of breaking into the next level but the failure for him to utilize his secondary pitches as out pitches is really holding him back from taking the next step. On the road this year Nicasio is 2-2 with a 4.71 ERA in eight games started. Nobody on the Red Sox roster has ever faced Nicasio which favors Nicasio at least through the first time through the order. His fastball is very deceptive and has a lot of movement so the Red Sox hitters will be surprised when they see it for the first time.
Facing off against the Rockies is Ryan Dempster. Dempster has had a rough year this year and is 4-8 with a 4.23 ERA. He took the loss in his last start against the Rays as he went six innings allowing eight hits, three runs, two walks and struck out three. At home this year Dempster is 3-6 with a 4.23 ERA in 11 games started. Rockies hitters are hitting a robust .373 against Dempster in his career in 51 combined at bats. Leading the way is Todd Helton who is 10-24 against him with three home runs and six RBI. Dempster will be looking to string together a couple of decent starts to try and get back on track for the season.
The Red Sox lineup for tonight's game is as follows:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Mike Napoli, 1B
6. Daniel Nava, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Stephen Drew, SS
9. Jose Iglesias, 3B
The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Todd Helton, 1B
6. Wilin Rosario, C
7. Corey Dickerson, DH
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Jonathan Herrera, SS
First pitch for the game tonight is at 5:10 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be looking to make it three straight wins.
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