Boston Red Sox v. Philadelphia Phillies
Citizen Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
The Red Sox seem to like playing their counterparts in the National League, having compiled a 5-1 record so far this season in inter-league play. Of course, Cincinnati and Milwaukee are not being confused for World Series contenders, like Boston's next opponent, the Philadelphia Phillies are. The Phils (41-30) are currently in second place in the National League East, 2.5 games behind the New York Mets.
The Red Sox (49-23) come into the series with a 5 game lead over the New York Yankees (44-28, 1st AL WC) in the AL East.
Philadelphia ranks 5th in the National League in runs scored (339) but 13th in batting average (.254), thanks in part to the subpar season of Jimmy Rollins (.202 avg., .257 obp) and Ryan Howard (.264 avg., 14 HRs, 47 RBIs, .884 ops). Kyle Kendirck (5-2, 2.41 ERA) has established himself as a solid second option behind Cole Hamels (10-3, 3.66) on a pitching staff that boasts the 6th best ERA (4.21) in the NL. The Phillies will be without slugger Pat Burrell who is recovering from a herniated disk in his back and is not expected to be back until around the All Star break.
Pitching Matchups:
6/16: Josh Beckett (5-2, 3.17 ERA) v. Kyle Kendrick (5-2, 3.41 ERA)
6/17: Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-4, 3.57) v. Shawn Baker (5-7, 3.55)
6/18: Tim Wakefield (9-3, 3.41) v. Brett Myers (3-4, 5.15)