The Sox head to the west coast after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Randy and the yanks yesterday. Sox have had their hands full on the road in general this year where they are a mediocre 35-37 ytd. Their struggles increase when you add the fact that the Sox are 1-5 ytd playing in Toronto and 3-8 in the last 11 overall against TOR.
Arroyo has been nothing special on the road is also 0-4 in his last four road decisions with one no decision and has an era a full run higher post all star break than he did prior to.
Toronto returns home after winning 4 of their last 6 on the road and send Lilly to the mound. He has been solid this year against the Sox, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.53 ERA over 17 and 2/3 innings of work and is a nice 7-3 at home ytd. He also sports a 3-1 record against the Sox over the last three years.
Damon and Ortiz are both less than 100%. Ortiz might start but will be hampered by his back. With another lefty on the hill, Francona may sit him given his struggles vs Lily in the past (.105 BAA) and Damon will probably DH if anything and is still in lots of pain.
With Ortiz possibly sitting, Damon less than 100% and Manny hitting .200 over the last ten games (5 for 35), I will take Toronto as a nice dog in this spot.
Have a good one fellas.
Best of luck,
Noonan
ytd: 10-7 (+2.98*)