Felix Doubront

The Sox and Orioles continue their weekend series in Baltimore on Saturday night. The Orioles continue the hunt for first place in the AL East and the Sox are trying to play spoilers.

The Sox will send Felix Doubront (11-9, 4.91 ERA) to the hill. Doubront had his best outing of September last week against the Orioles at Fenway Park. Doubront received no decision after seven innings in which he allowed four hits with a season-high 11 strikeouts. This followed a good start against the Rays, which marked Doubront’s first win since July 18.

Doubront has given up 70 walks this season, the most on the Sox. All of the added baserunners could explain his near-5.00 ERA.

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis has done well against Doubront, with hits in three of his four at-bats against the Sox lefty. This is Doubront’s second start against the Orioles this season.

The Orioles counter with Steve Johnson (4-0, 1.62 ERA), the right-handed rookie called up in July. He’s been impressive in four starts as well as a number of relief appearances for the Orioles. He has recorded 43 strikeouts in just 33 1/3 innings of work.

Johnson’s last appearance, against the Blue Jays on Monday, was strong as he went five scoreless innings, striking out six.

Of the current Sox players, only Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Cody Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have faced Johnson, and each has struck out in his lone plate appearance.

Red Sox vs. Johnson (RHP)

Jacoby Ellsbury (1 plate appearance): .000 BA/.000 OBP/.000 SLG, 1 strikeout

Dustin Pedroia (1): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

Cody Ross (1): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (1): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

Orioles vs. Doubront (LHP)

Chris Davis (8 plate appearances): .375 BA/.375 OBP/.500 SLG, 1 double

Adam Jones (8): .250/.250/.250, 2 doubles, 3 strikeouts

Matt Wieters (8): .000/.125/.000, 5 strikeouts

Robert Andino (7): .000/.000/.000, 5 strikeouts

J.J. Hardy (6): .000/.167/.000, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts

Nick Markakis (4): .750/.750/.750

Wilson Betemit (3): .000/.333/.000, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Lew Ford (3): .500/.667/.500, 1 double, 1 strikeout

Manny Machado (3): .500/.667/.500, 1 RBI

Nate McLouth (3): .000/.000/.000, 1 strikeout

Mark Reynolds (3): .000/.000/.000, 3 strikeouts

Xavier Avery (2): .000/.000/.000

Steven Tolleson (2): .500/.500/2.000, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, 1 strikeout