For the first time since Sept. 25 of last year, the Boston Red Sox will look to win a third consecutive game when they host the Toronto Blue Jays Monday morning at 11:05 a.m. as part of Patriots' Day celebrations. The Jays took Friday's series opener but Boston managed to win Saturday and Sunday's games -- their first winning streak of the young season.
Monday, April 18, 11:05 a.m.
NESN
Ricky Romero (1-1, 1.66 ERA) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-2, 12.86 ERA)
Talk about a mismatch! While there have been some rumblings that John Lackey may well get the start Monday instead of Daisuke, both have been disasters so far, especially when compared to Ricky Romero.
Don't go making other plans for Patriots' Day just yet, though. Because the Red Sox hit Romero like nobody's business. Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew, Dustin Pedroia, and David Ortiz especially punish the Blue Jays ace, with Drew's 1.160 OPS against Romero being the lowest of the four. This stands in stark contrast to what Daisuke can do to Toronto's hitters; at .153/205/.297 against Daisuke, Toronto's lineup may as well be comprised solely of pitchers. What looks like the worst matchup of the series for the Red Sox could actually end up being the best.