Oakland hands Parker ball in Boston

Jarrod Parker hopes to follow up an impressive Oakland debut this evening when the Athletics continue a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Parker, acquired this winter from Arizona as the centerpiece in the Trevor Cahill deal, made his American League debut on Wednesday against Chicago and was impressive, as he held the White Sox to just a run and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. He also struck out five, but did not factor in the decision of his team's 5-4 win.

"I thought he was terrific, I really did," Melvin said. "That's a pretty good lineup, especially middle of the order. Great start for him. We feel really good about him."

Boston, meanwhile, will turn the ball over to lefty Felix Doubront, who picked up his first win of the season his last time out. Doubront beat the White Sox on Thursday, as he gave up three runs and five hits in six innings to run his record to 1-0 to go along with a 4.09 ERA.

Doubront, of course, pitched well enough to win his last Fenway start back on April 21 against the Yankees when he was spotted a nine-run lead, and left after surrendering one run in six innings only to see his bullpen implode in a 15-9 loss.

The Red Sox were booed loudly that day, but hit the road to win six of their next seven games. They returned to Boston on Monday and continued their recent winning ways, as David Ortiz hit two solo home runs, Mike Aviles added a three-run blast and the Red Sox rolled to an 11-6 triumph.

Aviles finished with four RBI and Darnell McDonald went 3-for-4 with a double and a two-run homer in the win. Another win tonight would put the Red Sox over .500 for the first time this season.

"Hitting is contagious," said McDonald. "I've been watching these guys tear the cover off the ball for the last couple of weeks and it feels good to come in and contribute."

Clay Buchholz (3-1) earned the win, allowing six runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out five over 6 2/3 innings.

Josh Reddick had a three-run homer for the Athletics, losers of three straight. Tommy Milone (3-2) was charged with eight runs -- seven earned -- on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Boston won six of eight against the A's last season.