Orioles at Red Sox
Just hours after being shut down by Baltimore's bullpen, the Boston Red Sox attempt to break through against the Orioles' most effective starter Saturday afternoon when the American League East rivals continue their three-game series. Boston was limited to three hits over eight innings by Baltimore relievers in Friday's series-opening, 13-inning loss.
The Red Sox held the lead on three occasions but were unable to stay ahead and suffered their eighth loss in nine home games. At 4-8, Boston is off to its worst start at Fenway Park since 1996.
Baltimore, which is 3-1 on its six-game road trip, has won five of its last six contests and nine of 11. Boston is 1-3 on its six-game homestand.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Jason Hammel (3-1, 1.97 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Aaron Cook (NR)
Hammel has been superb for Baltimore, allowing two runs or less in each of his five starts. The 29-year-old suffered his first loss in his last outing despite yielding only two runs and five hits over six frames against the New York Yankees on Monday. Hammel is 0-2 with a save in nine career games - three starts - vs. the Red Sox.
Cook makes his Boston debut in place of Josh Beckett, who is out with a sore lat muscle. The veteran went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in four starts with Triple-A Pawtucket after being signed in January to a minor-league contract, which he could have opted out of had he not been recalled on Thursday. Cook is coming off a disastrous 2011 season during which he went 3-10 with a 6.03 ERA with Colorado after missing two months with a fractured hand.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Red Sox have not started 4-9 at Fenway since 1984.
2. The Orioles placed outfielder Nolan Reimold on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disk and recalled catcher Luis Exposito from Triple-A Norfolk. Exposito made his major-league debut in Friday's marathon, going 0-for-1.
3. Baltimore's relievers have a combined 1.56 ERA.