Boston @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2012 ) Boston 2, Texas 1

When Roy Oswalt and Colby Lewis went down, the assumption was that the Texas Rangers would be scrambling for starting pitching. After Scott Feldman and Martin Perez each dominated, the inconsistency of the offense is the new issue. The Rangers have averaged 1.8 runs in five losses since the break while putting up 6.2 in five wins. The Boston Red Sox need all the wins they can get and will try to steal the rubber game on Wednesday.

The Red Sox have only scored three runs in the first two games of the series but managed to squeeze out a 2-1 win on Tuesday after a strong starting pitching performance. Clay Buchholz played the ace after four straight poor outings. Boston also has questions about its offense, which has managed three runs or less in five of the last six contests. Texas’ offense has a tendency to swing at the first pitch, something at which owner Nolan Ryan expressed displeasure in regard to Josh Hamilton’s recent quick at-bats.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSSW (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Josh Beckett (5-8, 4.53 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (6-5, 4.84)

Beckett has been one of a few sources of concern on the Boston staff. The veteran right-hander has one win in his last eight starts and has struggled in the first inning, posting a 10.69 ERA in that frame alone. Beckett was reached for two runs in each of the first two innings in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last time out. He managed to hold the Rangers off the board in the first inning on April 18 but still suffered the loss, allowing three runs in seven innings.

Holland has made three starts since coming off the disabled list and was strong in the first two but struggled last time out. The left-hander was lit up for six runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings at Los Angeles. Holland beat the Red Sox opposite Beckett on April 18, yielding two runs and four hits in seven innings. He is 3-1 with a 2.84 ERA in four career starts against Boston. Dustin Pedroia is 1-for-11 in his career against Holland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre passed an initial concussion exam after being hit in the head by a pitch in the eighth inning on Tuesday. He will continue to be evaluated.

2. Red Sox LF Carl Crawford was dropped to No. 7 in the lineup and went 0-for-3. Crawford could be in the bottom third again on Wednesday against another left-handed pitcher.

3. Rangers RHP Joe Nathan had walked five batter in 38 1/3 innings before issuing a pair of free passes in the ninth inning on Tuesday.