dailyloe.com – The Boston Red Sox host the Milwaukee Brewers for a decisive series finale on Wednesday afternoon. Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray will start for Boston, seeking his second win. Milwaukee will counter with left-hander Shane Drohan, making his major league debut against his former team. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.
Boston evened the three-game series with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night. That win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Red Sox. The team managed just three hits in the narrow victory. They now look to win consecutive games for the first time this series.
Sonny Gray notched his first win in a Red Sox uniform in his last start. He had 27 wins over the previous two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray carries a 1-0 record and a 4.50 ERA into this matchup. He is 5-6 with a 4.55 ERA in 20 career starts against Milwaukee.
Shane Drohan was acquired by Milwaukee from Boston in an offseason trade. The trade also involved pitcher Kyle Harrison and infielder David Hamilton. Boston received infielders Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler. Drohan was called up Monday from Triple-A Nashville.
Drohan replaces reliever Jared Koenig, who was placed on the 15-day injured list. He made one start this season at Triple-A Nashville, allowing two runs. That outing lasted 3 1/3 innings and resulted in a no-decision. Last season, he was 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA for Worcester, Boston’s Triple-A affiliate.
In spring training with Milwaukee, Drohan was 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA. He allowed seven runs, six earned, over 12 2/3 innings. Drohan struck out 15 batters and walked four during those outings. He has not faced any Boston batters in his career.
The Brewers enter the game with an 8-3 record. Their lineup features Christian Yelich as the designated hitter. Yelich is 8-for-31 in his career against starting pitcher Sonny Gray. Milwaukee is already without injured starters Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn.
Second baseman Brice Turang was also absent for Milwaukee on Tuesday night. Turang is hitting .270 with seven RBIs this season. He has been dealing with a foot or ankle injury. His status for Wednesday’s game was not specified.
The Red Sox hold a 3-8 record heading into the contest. Their lineup includes Andruw Monasterio, acquired in the Drohan trade, at shortstop. The game will be televised on NESN and broadcast on WEEI-FM 93.7. The series outcome hinges on this final game.[]
Source: The Boston Globe
