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Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale to Face Detroit’s Justin Verlander in Marquee Matchup

By Logan Jakubajtys

Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) throws a pitch in the second inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) throws a pitch in the second inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Sale’s second start for the Boston Red Sox will come against another ace in Detroit’s Justin Verlander. This time out, Sale wants the win.

Chris Sale went seven strong innings in his Red Sox debut, striking out seven and not allowing a run. He didn’t get the win though as it took extra innings for Sandy Leon to strike for a walkoff.

On Monday in Detroit, Sale will be looking for his first win in a Boston uniform. It will be a battle as he goes head to head with the Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander.

Monday afternoon’s series finale matinee is a treat for baseball fans across the country.

This will be the fifth time that Sale and Verlander have faced off. It is the first time they matchup outside of the AL Central division.

Verlander is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA, while Sale is 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in their four previous matchups.

Detroit’s current backup catcher Alex Avila has caught for both Sale and Verlander, and he knows how entertaining this game will be.

"More from Boston Red Sox3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red SoxMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts ReturnRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive WinMookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to FenwayAlex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander“It should be fun. Both of them are very similar with the type of competitiveness that they bring to each one of their starts. They both prepare completely differently, but when they’re on the mound, they’re very similar. They expect themselves to go out there and throw a no-hitter every time. It should be fun to watch.”"

Sale should have some help as Mookie Betts will again be in the lineup. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts will also return to the lineup Monday following his bereavement leave. Perhaps now is the time the Red Sox start to turn things around following an illness, bereavement and injury filled week.

The Red Sox will look for the 2-2 split with the Tigers, a win really when you consider the issues the team has had to overcome.

Next: Red Sox Players of the Week

Following today’s game, Boston will return home to face the Orioles, Rays and Pirates.

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