Red Sox 2008 ALDS Game 4 Preview

Well game three kind of sucked. 12 innings with the last seven being missed opportunity after missed opportunity. It was not a good outing by Beckett but the bullpen did fine. One just has to hope that the genie has not been let out of the bottle.

What is needed tonight is a strong performance by Mr. Lester. The bullpen was taxed last night so Lester needs to go deep into this game. Is he up to it? I say yes he is indeed up to the task.

From MLB.com probable pitchers:
Scouting Report:

Angels: Lackey faced the Red Sox in Game 1 and lost, 4-1. He went 6 2/3 innings and allowed just a two-run home run to Jason Bay. That was just one of four hits he allowed, along with two walks and four strikeouts. Lackey, who was 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA during the regular season, has lost two straight playoff starts to the Red Sox. He was also the losing pitcher in a 4-0 loss to Josh Beckett in the opener of the 2007 ALDS.

Red Sox: With the bullpen taxed after Sunday's 12-inning affair, the onus falls on Lester to give the Red Sox a long and quality start. Boston rode Lester's seven-inning gem in Game 1 of the ALDS to an early advantage over the Angels. Lester has experience getting the starting nod in potential clinchers. He worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 4 of the World Series last year to get the win as the Red Sox swept the Rockies.

♊ - Well, let's hope we get some funny hats too.