Texas @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 8, 2014 ) Texas 10, Boston 7

The Boston Red Sox appear to be suffering from a bit of a World Series hangover as they try to get going in 2014. The Red Sox look to salvage the rubber match of a three-game set when they host the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. Boston began the season with a series win over Baltimore but was swept at home by the Milwaukee Brewers and could not keep up with the Rangers' offense in a 10-7 setback on Tuesday, clinching a losing homestand.

The Rangers came into the series and the season with a bunch of question marks in the starting rotation but got solid performances from Tanner Scheppers and Martin Perez in the first two games against the Red Sox, with the bullpen letting things get out of hand in a 5-1 loss on Monday and making things a little too tight in Tuesday’s victory. Boston has scored nine of its 12 runs in the series in the seventh inning or later and turned a blowout into a tight game by getting to Texas closer Joakim Soria for three runs in the ninth inning on Tuesday.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Robbie Ross (0-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Jake Peavy (0-0, 3.00)

Ross, like Scheppers, was summoned from the bullpen to the rotation in spring training due to a rash of injuries and battled through five innings in his first career start against the Philadelphia Phillies last week. The 24-year-old scattered three runs - two earned - and seven hits while walking two and striking out seven against the Phillies. Ross has made five career relief appearances against the Red Sox, yielding a total of one run and five hits in 3 1/3 frames.

Peavy had a little trouble with his command in a two-run second inning against the Brewers on Friday but was strong over the rest of his outing and ended up going six frames in the no-decision. The veteran has made only four career starts against the Rangers and has not fared well, going 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA. Mitch Moreland, Shin-Soo Choo and Adrian Beltre each own two career home runs off Peavy.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox LHP Craig Breslow (shoulder) is expected to be activated off the 15-day DL on Wednesday.

2. Beltre left Tuesday’s game with tightness in his left quad and will reportedly head back to Texas to be examined.

3. Boston 3B Ryan Roberts made his debut on Tuesday and will likely get a second straight start against the left-handed Ross.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rangers 4