Friday, May 9, 8:05 PM on NESN, KTXA

Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Boston Red Sox - Buchholz, C (2-2) vs. Texas Rangers - Darvish, Y (2-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Boston Red Sox will head to the Lone Star State to take on the Texas Rangers on Friday night. Boston will send Clay Buchholz to the mound to face Yu Darvish.

Buchholz pitched 6.1 strong innings on May 2 when he faced the Oakland Athletics. Buchholz ended up giving up one run on three hits while tallying five strikeouts and giving up three walks. The win raised his record to 2-2 with a 5.63 ERA. One of the bright spots of the game was seeing Buchholz getting his fastball up to 95 mph. Some were wondering if he’d get his velocity back after the injury he endured last season so this was a positive sign.

Buchholz has fared well against current Rangers players surrendering only 10 hits over 75 at bats. He’s never given up a home run to the Rangers and has given up only one extra base hit. He’ll look to continue the trend when he faces the Rangers on Friday but he’ll have to duel with Yu Darvish to get there.

Darvish is coming off a win of his own when he faced the Los Angeles Angels on May 4. Darvish pitched 6.1 innings giving up three runs on seven hits. He struck out nine in this outing which raised his season strikeout total to 42. The day was made a little easier with all the run support Darvish received.

Darvish hasn’t faced many Red Sox players but he has fared well against almost all of them. However, he’ll have to be careful when facing Dustin Pedroia. Pedroia is batting .571 in his career against Darvish with four hits and three doubles in seven at bats.

Boston Red Sox Betting Trends

Boston Red Sox are 12-20-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Boston Red Sox is -0.2

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 17-14-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Texas Rangers is -0.8

Injuries to Watch

Boston Red Sox

04/09/14 P Steven Wright Hernia 60-day DL (3/21)

Texas Rangers

04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 15-day DL (4/23)
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 15-day DL (4/23)
04/19/14 LF James Adduci Finger 15-day DL (4/19)
04/18/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (4/18)
04/08/14 P Joe Saunders Ankle 15-day DL (4/5)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 P Derek Holland Knee 60-day DL (3/3)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Joe Ortiz Foot 60-day DL (2/14)

Guy's Pick: Take Texas

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