Game Preview: Sox @ Angels GM3

Lester (1-0, 5.09) vs. Moseley (4-1, 4.43)
Angels Stadium 10EST

To say the Sox need a win tonight is like saying Britney Spears needs an image makeover.

Boston has been manhandled by the Angels so far this series, suffering from defensive lapses, mental breakdowns and an inability to catch a break (or make one) for two straight games.

Tonight they will pin their hopes of ending this mini-funk on the shoulders of the young lefty, Jon Lester.

Lester has pitched well since returning from cancer treatments last month, but after allowing just five hits and two runs in 6 innings of a 6-2 Boston victory in Cleveland on July 23rd he has come back to earth, surrendering 14 hits and eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings over his last two starts, both no decisions.

The Angels will counter with another young starter of their own, 25-year-old righty Dustin Moseley, who has appeared in 35 games for the Halos this season but will be making just his 5th start of the season.

Last time out Moseley allowed only four hits and three runs in 5 1/3 innings of an 8-4 loss to Oakland; hopefully tonight he'll get shelled.

According to Tito today on EEI, J.D. Drew will start in center field tonight to give Coco a break, and Brandon Moss will get the call in right.

Gulp.

But no matter who plays where the Sox need to knuckle up and come out of this series with a win, before all the Stankee fans really come out of the woodwork.

Oh, by the way, Toronto did the sox a favor by clubbing the Stanks 15-4 tonight.

All the more reason for Boston to pull out a victory and get that East lead back to six games.