Blue Jays at Red Sox
If the Toronto Blue Jays are going to challenge for the American League East title, they'll need to fare better against the division-leading Boston Red Sox. Josh Johnson is tasked with avenging Thursday's defeat as he leads the Blue Jays into the continuation of their four-game series with the host Red Sox on Friday. One big inning cost Toronto in the opener, as Boston sent 11 men to the plate in the second inning of Thursday's 7-4 triumph.
The Red Sox hitters may find things a little more difficult against Johnson, who has been sensational after missing more than a month due to injury. Boston counters with rookie Allen Webster, who has struggled with the long ball over his first three major-league starts. Boston has a 6-4 edge in its season series with Toronto, and a 7 1/2-game lead over the Blue Jays in the AL East standings.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), New England Sports Network (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Josh Johnson (1-2, 4.60 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Allen Webster (0-2, 11.25)
Johnson has been sensational since returning from a triceps injury, going 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in four starts. He overcame some struggles last time out, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings to earn his first victory since last Sept. 6. Johnson earned a six-inning no-decision against the Red Sox in his first start of 2013, and is 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 career innings versus Boston.
Webster had a solid major-league debut in April, but has been on the wrong end of back-to-back routs over his last two starts. The 23-year-old was torched for five runs on eight hits in just 4 1/3 innings his last time out, dropping a 10-3 decision to the Detroit Tigers. Webster has been victimized by the home-run ball so far, having allowed five homers in just 12 career innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto's bullpen limited Boston to three hits and a walk over 6 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday.
2. Dustin Pedroia, who homered Thursday, is hitting .381 in 10 games against the Blue Jays in 2013.
3. Red Sox OF Shane Victorino has the most experience against Johnson of any Boston player, hitting 14-for-41 with a pair of doubles.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 8, Red Sox 3