Red Sox rookie moves back to SS for Game 2 vs. Nationals

Mike Masala

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Red Sox rookie moves back to SS for Game 2 vs. Nationals image

The Boston Red Sox dropped their series opener to the Washington Nationals 5-1 at Fenway Park on Friday, but they have a chance to stop their losing skid at three games on Saturday.

For the afternoon battle, Boston will send Cooper Criswell to the mound, and Washington will counter with Jake Irvin.

Here's a look at Alex Cora's lineup for Saturday:

  1. Jarren Duran CF
  2. Wilyer Abreu RF
  3. Tyler O'Neill LF
  4. Rafael Devers 3B
  5. Vaughn Grissom DH
  6. Dominic Smith 1B
  7. Reese McGuire C
  8. David Hamilton 2B
  9. Ceddanne Rafaela SS

The Nationals are trotting the same guys in the same order as the opener:

  1. Jacob Young CF
  2. CJ Abrams SS
  3. Luis Garcia Jr. 2B
  4. Joey Meneses 1B
  5. Jesse Winker DH
  6. Keibert Ruiz C
  7. Eddie Rosario LF
  8. Trey Lipscomb 3B
  9. Victor Robles RF

Criswell, despite originally starting the season in Triple-A, has been great for the Red Sox this season. In his five appearances, he's thrown 20 2/3 innings, posting a 1.74 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He's only faced one National - Nick Senzel (1-for-2).

Irvin has been decent this season for Washington, posting a 3.72 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in his seven starts this year. He's allowed 12 runs (eight earned) in his last three starts, and he's never faced any active member of Boston's lineup.

Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala