Miguel Gonzalez Looks For Run Support From Orioles Offense
(AP) -- Eduardo Rodriguez was initially called up by the Boston Red Sox to give the rotation some relief in the midst of a grueling stretch. Through two outings, he's made quite the case to remain with the club for a longer term.
Rodriguez looks to become the ninth Boston pitcher over the last century to win his first three career starts Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.
Games in 20 consecutive days prompted the Red Sox to bring up Rodriguez, who has a 0.61 ERA while limiting Texas and Minnesota to five hits over 14 2-3 innings. The only run he's allowed came on a homer in a 6-3 win over the Twins on Wednesday.
The left-hander is the first since at least 1900 to pitch at least seven innings while allowing no more than three hits and one run in his first two career starts. Eight Red Sox pitchers since 1914 have won their first three, with Anthony Ranaudo doing it most recently in August.
Rodriguez was acquired from the Orioles in July in the deal that sent reliever Andrew Miller to Baltimore.
"We have the vantage point of getting to know the person in addition to the pitcher, and he's got great aptitude, he's intelligent, in addition to the physical abilities that he demonstrates," manager John Farrell told MLB's official website. "He's a special kid."
Boston (27-31) has won five of seven to pull out of AL East cellar, where the Orioles (26-30) now are.
The Red Sox scored all of their runs in the eighth inning of Sunday's 7-4 home victory over Oakland to complete their first sweep. The Nos. 1-3 batters had two hits apiece, while the bottom third of the lineup combined for five RBIs. The seven runs in one inning were more than the club had totaled in any of its previous 14 games.
Boston hasn't won four in a row since August.
"I think the way in which we won this one has a chance or an opportunity to have as big an impact as the win itself," Farrell said.
Baltimore has won three of four following a five-game skid and is hoping a couple of batters can take advantage of the matchup with a left-handed pitcher. Adam Jones is hitting .371 while Delmon Young is 8 for his last 15 off lefties.
Miguel Gonzalez (5-4, 3.54) is looking for his first win in four starts, receiving two runs of support over 18 2-3 innings since his last victory. He gave up three homers over 6 2-3 innings in a 3-1 loss at Houston on Wednesday.
"Miguel, it's just frustrating he can't get more in return for what he pitched," manager Buck Showalter said.
Gonzalez is 5-1 with a 3.26 ERA in eight starts against the Red Sox, including two in April. He won 8-3 in Boston on April 19, surrendering three runs over five innings.
Hanley Ramirez has hit .372 with nine RBIs in his last 11 games and is 3 for 6 with two homers against Gonzalez.
Baltimore has taken four of seven meetings this year and 10 of the past 15. Jimmy Paredes, who is 3 for 29 over his last eight games, is 14 for 28 in his past six matchups against the Red Sox with seven RBIs in the last three.
