Baltimore at Boston

The Orioles have been a different team lately, as they have gone 12-6 over their last 18. They have given the Sox all they can handle, and have actually outscored them in this series which is even at 1-1. They have a decided pitching advantage in this one with Jeremy Gutherie. Gutherie has allowed three earned runs or less in 15 of his 17 starts, and two runs or less in 13 of 17. That puts a lot of pressure on Tim Wakefield, who after a great start, has pitched poorly. Since May 10, Wakefield has worked 85 innings allowed 102 hits, while pitching to a 6.14 ERA. While Gutherie has allowed three runs or less in 15 of 17 starts, Wakefield has allowed four or more in 10 of 14. This is a matchup that is likely to remove Boston's strength - the back of the pen. If they are trailing, the big guns stay out of the game. The Red Sox have been mediocre since the end of May, compiling a 27-25 record. The offense has been very inconsistent, as they have had 20 games since June 5, of 2 runs or less. The value is with the Birds here and we will ride them to the series win over the Sox.