Starting this one early as I am going to Watercountry tomorrow and did not want to forget in the morning. Mods feel free to add the game preview to this post if I don't get to it in the morning.
Game Info:
Date: Friday, July 2nd, 2006
First Pitch: 1:00pm EST
Location: Dolphin Stadium, Miami Florida
TV: NESN
Starting Pitchers:
Jon Lester 3-0 2.95
v.s.
Josh Johnson 7-4 2.20
Game Preview
The Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins close out their three-game series on Sunday sending two of their strongest rookies to the mound, as both pitchers look for their fourth consecutive win.
Josh Johnson (7-4, 2.20 ERA) began the season in the bullpen for the Marlins (35-42), where he was 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in seven appearances. As a starter, though, the rookie right-hander has been dominant, holding opponents to two or fewer runs in eight of his 10 starts and shutting out his opponents on three occasions.
"He's been great, unbelievable," Marlins manager Joe Girardi said. "He's a strong young man and he throws hard. He throws strikes and throws them down in the zone. That's why he's been so good."
After beginning June with his second straight loss, the 22-year-old right-hander has won his last three starts, the latest on Monday against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Johnson pitched 6 2-3 innings, giving up three runs -- two in the first inning -- while walking one and striking out five in the 8-5 win.
"(I felt) pretty good, at times I was a little off. It was a rough first inning," said Johnson, who was pitching on eight days' rest. "The team came back and picked up two more runs to pick me up. That helps out a lot the rest of the game."
That offense failed to provide much help on Saturday for Florida starter Brian Moehler, who lasted just 2-3 of an inning before leaving the game with a sprained right foot. He gave up three runs and three hits while walking two batters. The Marlins placed him on the 15-day disabled list Saturday night.
Rookie reliever Anibal Sanchez was then touched for three home runs over 4 1-3 innings, as the Red Sox jumped out to an 11-1 lead in the sixth inning en route to an 11-5 victory.
Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz each homered twice and combined to drive in nine runs. Ramirez's three-run homer in the first inning was his 2,000th career hit.
"Those two guys in the middle, something special," Girardi said. "They beat us."
The win was the 13th in the last 14 games for the Red Sox (49-29), who will hand the ball to Jon Lester (3-0, 2.95) on Sunday to close the series. Lester won his third straight start on Tuesday against the New York Mets.
The 22-year-old left-hander pitched five innings and gave up two runs in the 9-4 win. He struggled with his control, hitting and walking a batter with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, but then struck out David Wright to escape further damage.
"He stayed out of a big inning and then we were able to respond offensively," Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek said. "That was key. He did an excellent job of doing it. It was outstanding for him."
Lester has given up just four runs in his last three games, striking out 20 during that span. However, he has yet to pitch beyond the sixth inning.
Saturday's win improved Boston to 15-2 in interleague play this season.
Originally Posted by Teddyballgame10
