MLB Betting: Lackey faces Angels for third time

John Lackey is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in two starts against the Angels.

Boston Red Sox pitcher John Lackey faces his former Angels teammates for a third time this season Wednesday night at Fenway Park. This is the middle game of a three-game set.

Lackey spent eight good years with L.A. from 2002-2009. He delivered in the regular season (102-71, 3.81 ERA) and the playoffs (3-4, 3.12 ERA). He even won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series over the San Francisco Giants.

Despite that resume, Lackey was booed in Los Angeles when he pitched there on July 27. He got the last laugh by allowing two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings in a 4-2 win. Lackey also beat the Angels in Boston on May 5, surrendering just one run and two hits over seven innings.

The 31-year-old righty is 10-7 this year with a 4.54 ERA. Boston expected better production after his big free agent contract, but at least he’s been an innings-eater (154 2/3). Lackey has struggled some in three starts since the game in L.A. (0-2, 6.52 ERA). Boston lost all three.

The Red Sox (67-52) can’t afford too many losses during their nine-game homestand against L.A., Toronto and Seattle. They’re 5 ½-games back in the AL East and wild card, pending Tuesday night’s results. The Yankees and Rays are currently tied in the division (72-46).

Boston continues to hit despite first baseman Kevin Youkilis and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury possibly both out for the year. The good news is that second baseman Dustin Pedroia was scheduled to return on Tuesday.

The Red Sox’ big problems are inconsistent starting pitching outside of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz. Middle relief has also struggled and closer Jonathan Papelbon is no longer automatic with six blown saves.

The Angels are 60-59, which puts them in second place in the AL West behind Texas (eight games back). They’re 13-15 in the second half, 9-7 at home and 4-8 away. They’re 5-15 in their last road 20 games overall.

L.A. has scored 2.6 runs per game in its last five. The pitching staff has allowed 2.2 runs per game. The MLB odds ‘under’ is 4-1 in those contests. The big bat of first baseman Kendry Morales (ankle) was never replaced after he was lost for the year.

Scott Kazmir (8-10, 6.36 ERA) will oppose Lackey. Those numbers are frightening and his batting average allowed (.270) and OPS (.835) are both career highs. His 5.75 strikeout rate is easily a career low after being 7.15 last season.

The lefty is only 26-year-old as he broke into the majors at 20. He’s pitched well in two starts (1-1. 1.64 ERA) since coming off the disabled list with a shoulder injury. Those starts were at Detroit and home to Toronto.

Kazmir took a beating at Fenway Park on May 6, surrendering seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. He’s very familiar with the Red Sox from his Tampa Bay days. He’s 6-5 with a respectable 3.69 ERA in 14 career starts at Boston.

Boston is 7-0 against L.A. this year. That somewhat atones for a playoff sweep against the Angels last season. The Red Sox have outscored them 53-24 in the seven contests.
 
First pitch for Wednesday night is 4:10 p.m. (PT). Weather will be clear and in the 70s.