Boston was the huge American League preseason favorite. But now it would have to go a whopping 98-55 to reach the 100-wins mark that many assumed was a foregone conclusion. New acquisition Carl Crawford has been shockingly bad. He was 0-for-3 against his former club Tuesday and is hitting .152. In four games already the Red Sox have failed to more than five hits or two runs. And they are hitting 7-for-52 (.135) with runners in scoring position. They have been outscored by 32 runs, are hitting .230 and have a staff ERA of 6.77. A loss tonight would be the third sweep of Boston already.

The Red Sox turn to arguably their most struggling pitcher tonight in John Lackey (1-1, 15.58 ERA). He won his last start but was roughed up again, allowing seven hits and six runs over five innings against the Yankees. He has fared well in his career vs. the Rays, going 11-4 in 16 starts. Tampa Bay starts James Shields (0-1, 4.73). Shields allowed three home runs in a six-inning no-decision Friday night vs. Chicago. He is 1-7 with a 7.71 ERA at Fenway Park in his career.

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