Red Hot Sox, Ellsbury Host Orioles Before All-Star Break
BOSTON (CBS) – It may seem like the Red Sox are limping into the All-Star break with their current injury situation, but are actually in the midst of a hot streak as they host the Baltimore Orioles for four games before the mid-summer classic.
Boston has won seven of their last 10, and find themselves just half-a-game behind the New York Yankees in the AL East.
A lot of that rests on the shoulders of first-time All-Star Jacoby Ellsbury, who has been having a career season. The Red Sox center fielder has hit .481 in the last seven days, including his 12th three-hit game of the season in Wednesday night's 6-4 win over the Blue Jays.
Over the last week, Ellsbury has 13 hits to go with six RBI and four runs scored. He set a new career high with his 10th home run of the season to start the game Wednesday, and is on pace to set a new career in RBI by the time the season ends. Ellsbury also lead the American League with 28 stolen bases.
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"He's been terrific in the outfield, on the bases and at the plate," said Manager Terry Francona. "He's settled into that leadoff role and he's been terrific."
Ellsbury has nine hits in four games since being named to the American League All-Star team, proving to the players that selected him he is more than worthy of the roster spot.
"I'm just relaxing and having fun," Ellsbury said of his success this season. "It's definitely an honor to be selected by my peers to the All-Star game. They're the ones that get to see you play in spring training, in the regular season. To get selected by them is a huge honor."
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Before the Red Sox get to the break, they have to worry about the Orioles for four games. Boston is 2-2 against the O's this season, who are at the bottom of the AL east at 36-48.
Adrian Gonzalez is batting .500 against Baltimore, with five doubles and six RBI. Ellsbury is second on the team with a .474 average against the O's. Kevin Youkilis is only 3-for-13 against Baltimore, but all three hits have gone for extra bases. He leads the team with six RBI against the Orioles.
Red Sox-Orioles Pitching Matchups
Thursday 7:10pm
- Jake Arrieta (9-5, 4.74 ERA) vs Andrew Miller (2-0, 3.06 ERA)
Friday 7:10pm
- Zach Britton (6-6, 3.47) vs Josh Beckett (7-3, 2.12 ERA)
Saturday 7:10pm
- Chris Jakubauskas (2-2, 6.75) vs John Lackey (5-8, 7.47 ERA)
Sunday 1:35pm
- Mitch Atkins (0-0, 1.51 ERA) vs TBD
