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HOUSTON, TX (WBZ-AM) – We’ve got all the ingredients for what could be a pitcher’s duel tonight at Minute Maid Park as the Houston Astros host the Boston Red Sox. Both starting hurlers are coming into tonight’s game with earned run averages (ERAs) under 3.00.
Southpaw Chris Sale will take his 5-2 mark to the hill for Boston, with an ERA of 2.76. Houston will counter with righthander Gerrit Cole, who comes in at 5-1 with an ERA of 2.05.
Prior to last night’s game, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia revealed that he is still dealing with knee issues related to his offseason surgery. He had to shut himself down, as a result.
“This is a part of it,” Pedroia said. “This is why you have to be honest - so we can catch it before you have to be down for a while. That was it.”
Pedroia said team management was understanding of his decision. “I just told them and, you know, they said ‘hey, it’s part of it,’” the second baseman said. “They knew it was going to happen certain days and today was one of those days. It stinks, but it is what it is.”
Pedroia and outfielder Mookie Betts remain listed as day-to-day.
First pitch tonight is at 8:10 p.m. EST.
WBZ NewsRadio's Charlie Bergeron Reports: