Red Sox at Royals
A brutal eighth inning on Tuesday turned a potential second straight victory for the Boston Red Sox into their sixth loss in seven games. Manager Bobby Valentine's club will look to rebound on Wednesday and salvage the rubber match of three-game series when they face the host Kansas City Royals.
Billy Butler provided the pop in Tuesday's 6-4 triumph with a three-run homer off reliever Matt Albers. The outing spoiled an eventful start from Daniel Bard, who walked the first two batters to set the stage for Butler's game-altering blast.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSKC (Kansas City)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Jon Lester (1-2, 4.62 ERA) vs. Royals LH Bruce Chen (0-4, 4.98 ERA)
Lester has enjoyed considerable success versus the Royals, posting a 5-1 career mark with a 1.30 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a shutout. The 28-year-old, who hasn't received much in terms of run support this season, received a no-decision after allowing three runs on five hits in six innings against Baltimore on Friday. Lester has permitted 19 runs in 37 innings this season.
Chen has dropped his last four decisions in emphatic fashion, yielding six earned runs in his last two trips to the mound. The 34-year-old was touched for two homers and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings against the New York Yankees on Friday. Chen has struggled versus Boston, posting a 3-6 career mark with a gaudy 5.98 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Boston rookie Will Middlebrooks exited Tuesday's contest with tightness in his left hamstring. Utility infielder Nick Punto replaced the rookie and went 0-for-2. Veteran third baseman Kevin Youkilis (lower-back strain) is eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday.
2. Kansas City has limped to a .225 batting average versus left-handers this season. The porous effort has resulted in opposing starters recording a 4-0 mark in five games.
3. Alex Gordon has put his early-season troubles behind him. He has 19 hits in his last 47 plate appearances, but is 0-for-9 in his career versus Lester.