After the Boston Red Sox two-game shellacking in Houston, we here at Manchester Ink Link Sports got so despondent that we didn’t even write a preview for Game 3. Fortunately for us and our mental health, the Red Sox forced a Game 4 at Fenway this afternoon (or evening, depending on the weather, probably afternoon.)
Here in Manchester, Comcast subscribers can watch Fox Sports 1 on Channel 250.
The game will be on the radio locally on WEEI, 103.7 FM with Tim Neverett and Joe Castiglione.
If you’re here in Manchester and watching or listening to today’s game, but haven’t been following the Red Sox this season, here are a few things to watch for.
The Price is Right
David Price has earned the ire of Boston fans over his tenure with the Red Sox for largely failing to live up to expectations, but submitted four scoreless innings in what basically amounted to a spot start after Doug Fister struggled early.
After throwing 57 pitches in the appearance, it’s unlikely that he would be available for more than one inning today, putting more pressure on 2016 Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello to go deep in the ballgame against the Astros.
X Marks the Second Spot
Xander Boegarts slips to the second spot in the lineup, going 0-for-5 yesterday hitting leadoff. He’s gone 0-for-14 in the series. If the Red Sox are eliminated today, there may be some discussion over whether the Aruba native can recapture the Silver Slugger performances he earned in 2015 and 2014.
Boegarts has two arbitration years on his $4.5 million contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
Kimbrel or Bust?
Despite his role as a closer, Craig Kimbrel got work in the Game 2 blowout and may be needed for more than one inning given the question marks surrounding Boston’s pitching so far. Then again, everyone is on call except for staff ace Chris Sale, according to manager John Farrell in a statement made yesterday.
