Boston Red Sox @ Los Angeles Angels
Tonight we have a very good matchup between Josh Beckett (13-8) and Jared Weaver (9-0). Beckett takes the mound for the struggling Red Sox in hopes to bounce back after a long losing skid at home. Beckett has been blasted in his last couple of outings earning him an era of 5.35. Weaver has been stellar in a much needed role for the Angels. The kid has an impressive 9-0 record and is sporting a 1.95 era.
As many struggles as Boston has faced one has to believe that this team is best when their backs are against the wall, and rightfully so. They have the best clutch hitter in the game: David Ortiz who has hit safely 2 out of 3 at-bats vs the young Weaver.
Johnathon Papelbon is available tonight if need be and I expect a good strong outing from Beckett. Expecting him to go 7 innings might not be out of the question tonight. Boston needs some quality work from Beckett as he has in the past. Contrary to the public perception, LAA is 15-71 .211 baa vs Beckett. Boston has only seen Weaver 1 time and in that game they were 5-19 .263 baa. The line tonight is set accordingly to that perception. Weaver has yet to lose. He has pitched gems and he has escaped with a couple no decisions. Boston's backs are against the wall and I look for them to step up tonight.
Boston Red Sox +130