BOSTON - JULY 27: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on July 27, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 9-2. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Round 1 of 18 between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees begins tonight at Fenway Park. Let’s hope the fireworks are kept to a minimum between Joba Chamberlain and Kevin Youkilis.

Tonight’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM and you can catch the game on NESN or YES (if you must). You can also catch the game on the radio on one of the many affiliates of the Red Sox Radio Network.

Jon Lester looks to continue his success against the Yankees tonight for Terry Francona. He is 3-0 with a 3.42 ERA in 4 starts with one complete game.

Chamberlain makes the start for Joe Girardi’s squad. He has faced the Red Sox 6 times in his career (2 starts) and is 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA. Both of his wins have come at the Fens.

As much as some people may not want Julio Lugo, it appears he’ll be back on Monday when the Red Sox head out on the road. Also some good news for Mark Kotsay as it appears he’s getting ready to head out on a rehab assignment as he just came back from extended spring training in Ft. Myers.

And one more thing, David Ortiz is on Twitter.

Boo their asses off… [38 Pitches]

But who do the Red Sox pitchers target? [Full Count]

Red Sox-Yankees scouting report [Tony Massarotti]

Lugo to join Sox Monday [Extra Bases]

The Big Friday Nuggetpalooza! [Nuggetpalooza]

How they match up [Extra Bases]

The Replacements come up big for Red Sox [NESN.com]

Mark Teixeira Pre-Game Press Conference – Video [Fenway West]

Sometimes the best deals . . [Extra Bases]

Francona pregame highlights Friday [Full Count]

More Ortiz on Joba [Full Count]

Kotsay likely to make rehab with Pawtucket [Projo Sox Blog]

While Yanks and Sox prepare, Baldelli can do little but watch [Projo Sox Blog]

New York Yankees9-6

Red Sox logo9-6
1. Derek Jeter SS 1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Johnny Damon LF 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Mark Teixeira 1B 3. David Ortiz DH
4. Jorge Posada DH 4. Kevin Youkilis 1B
5. Nick Swisher RF 5. J.D. Drew RF
6. Robinson Cano 2B 6. Jason Bay LF
7. Melky Cabrera CF 7. Mike Lowell 3B
8. Jose Molina C 8. Jason Varitek C
9. Cody Ransom 3B 9. Nick Green SS
Joba Chamberlain SP Jon Lester SP

And here are how the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers:

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees batter/pitcher matchups