Baltimore @ Boston preview
Fenway Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 22, 2012 ) Baltimore 9, Boston 6
After traveling a traditional route to win Saturday's contest, the Baltimore Orioles will look to record their first seven-game winning streak since 2005 when they play the series finale versus the host Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Baltimore posted its 16th consecutive extra-inning victory as Jim Thome's RBI double plated the go-ahead run in the 12th. The late uprising gave the Orioles their 22nd win in 32 contests, but they remained one game behind first-place New York in the American League East.
Buck Showalter's charges have made themselves at home at Fenway Park, winning seven of eight meetings. They will be opposed by Felix Doubront, who will attempt to claim sole possession of the team lead in victories with a strong outing on Sunday. Doubront is tied with Clay Buchholz for the honor in Boston, which has dropped four straight games.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, NESN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (8-2, 3.22 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Felix Doubront (11-9, 5.08)
Tillman posted his third straight win after scattering three hits over six innings in a 10-4 triumph against Seattle on Monday. The 24-year-old struggled in his last outing versus Boston, yielding three runs in 4 2/3 innings before exiting for a no-decision on Aug. 16. Tillman owns a 5.73 ERA in three career starts against Boston.
Doubront posted his first victory since July 18 when he recorded a quality start versus Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The one-hit performance was far from perfect however as the 24-year-old issued five walks for the second straight outing. Doubront struck out nine in six solid innings in his last outing versus Baltimore - but took the hard-luck loss on May 22.
WALK-OFFS
1. While Baltimore boasts plenty of positives, eight-inning reliever Pedro Strop owns a gaudy 7.50 ERA in his last 16 appearances.
2. Alfredo Aceves hasn't produced the results the Red Sox would like this season. In fact, Boston has dropped the last 11 games in which the right-hander made an appearance.
3. Orioles 2B Robert Andino sat out Saturday's contest after getting beaned on Friday. He will receive another concussion test prior to Sunday's game to determine his availability.