Gomes' consistent play leads to yet another start

BOSTON -- Jonny Gomes got the start in left field for Wednesday's series opener against the Braves, his third consecutive start against a right-hander.

"We have a different feel and our energy is very different when he is in the lineup," manager John Farrell said. "When we are in the stretch that we are, we need every contribution we can get. Jonny fits it."

Farrell has gone with Gomes instead of Daniel Nava and Mike Carp. However, Nava started at first base on Wednesday after Carp was hit on his right foot in Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Gomes has started six of the Red Sox's last eight games, hitting .250 with two home runs and six RBIs.

Farrell was impressed with Gomes' play in Tuesday's game, in which he had a bloop single to right field in a four-run seventh inning and made a diving catch in the eighth.

"Whether it is a diving catch like last night or he comes up with a bloop base hit, he is finding a way to impact a game," said Farrell.