With the Boston Red Sox losing last night to the New York Yankees, their hopes of a second straight AL East title went up in the rain clouds that covered Fenway Park. Unfortunately those same rain clouds have made their way back into the Boston area and today’s game is in limbo.
Daisuke Matsuzaka was scheduled to start for the Red Sox last night and had his start pushed back until this afternoon due to the inclement weather. He goes in search of his 8th consecutive win this afternoon and quite possibly his 19th of the season. He has faced the Yankees once this season and is 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA. He has faced the Yankees 5 times in his career and is 3-1 with a 6.30 ERA. In 3 starts at Fenway Park against the Yankees, he is 2-0 with a 6.11 ERA.
Joe Girardi trots out the Pillsbury Dough Boy, Sidney Ponson, who will try to end his season on a positive note since the Yankees are not playoff bound. He’s 0-2 with an 11.42 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox this season. He is just 3-13 in his career with a 6.95 ERA in 22 starts.
Good news on Mike Lowell. He was feeling much better this morning when he woke up.
You won’t see Derek Jeter on the field today or tomorrow. He’s out with a sore hand.
Terry Francona didn’t care when the Red Sox started their hopeful run to the World Series.
Curt Schilling checked in over at 38 Pitches.
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88-71
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Robinson Cano, 2B
3. Jason Giambi, DH
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Xavier Nady, LF
6. Ivan Rodriguez, C
7. Cody Ransom, SS
8. Juan Miranda, 1B
9. Melky Cabrera, RF
– Sidney Ponson, SP
94-66
1. Mark Kotsay, 1B
2. Jed Lowrie, 3B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
5. Chris Carter, LF
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Jeff Bailey, RF
8. Jonathan Van Every, CF
9. Gil Velazquez, SS
– Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP
And here is how the hitters have fared against this afternoon’s starting pitchers.
