The Red Sox, fresh off their first series win of the season, welcome the reeling Rays to Bean Town this evening for a three game set at Fenway Park. Tonight's game one contest between the two division rivals is scheduled to get underway at 7:10pm ET on ESPN. MLB Odds and Predictions have Boston listed as a -150 moneyline favorite and the game total set at 9.5. The Over is presently favored at -115 odds.
Boston (2-7) has cause to feel a little bit better about the direction of its season after yesterday's series rubber match 
win over the Yankees. The Red Sox won the game 4-0 after veteran hurler Josh Beckett delivered an eight inning, two hits, 10 strikeout masterpiece.
Manager Terry Francona is hopeful that Daisuke Matsuzaka can do more of the same tonight as he takes the hill for his second start of the season. Matsuzaka did not show that well in his season debut, getting roughed up for six hits and three earned run over five innings by the Indians (lost 4-8).
The Tokyo native's past history against the Rays would suggest that he may struggle this evening as well. In 12 career starts against Tampa Bay, Matsuzaka owns a 2-6 record to go along with a 5.09 ERA. The 30 year old made three starts versus the Rays last season, Boston lost those games 4-9, 5-6, and 5-14.
Matsuzaka is catching a different Tampa Bay team this time around, though, one that appears to lack any offensive punch. With Carl Crawford now in Boston and Evan Longoria on the DL with a strained oblique, the Rays have produced a league worst 20 runs.
Tampa Bay, now 1-8 after yesterday's 1-6 loss to Chicago, has managed to score multiple runs in just three of its nine games this season.
Rookie Jeremy Hellickson, who is making his second appearance of the season, will need to be in top form this evening if the Rays bats continue to flounder. Hellickson was not horrific in his first start, but he did not overhelm either, allowing six hits and three earned runs (5.2 innings) in 1-5 loss to the Angels.
The 24 year old has pitched just 1.2 innings against the Red Sox; he gave up three hits and three earned runs in that brief appearance.
Rays vs Red Sox Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 (-145), Over 9.5 (-115), +130 (Moneyline)
Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+125), Under 9.5 (-105), -150 (Moneyline)
