DRays vs. Bosox (7/3 - 7/5)

[craig01]

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/news/ ... sp?c_id=tb


Tuesday, July 3 Fenway Park | 7:05 PM ET
TB Scott Kazmir, LHP (5-4, 4.26)
Devil Rays (33-48) @ BOS Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (9-5, 3.80)
Red Sox (50-31)

Scouting Report:
Rays: Kazmir's outings are still much too brief, as he works on his efficiency, obviously frustrating both the youngster and the club. This was the case Thursday, when the southpaw exited after throwing 113 pitches over just 5 1/3 innings. His slider had pop and his fastball velocity was spot-on, accounting for the nine punch outs he registered. Still, he took the loss, yielding four runs -- three on homers -- though he walked just one hitter. Kazmir is now 0-4 with 10 no-decisions at home since his last win there, July 3, 2006.

Red Sox: Despite just a 2-2 record, Matsuzaka was brilliant in June, posting a 1.59 ERA. He took a no-decision in his last start, even though it was one of his best of the year. Pitching against the Mariners, Matsuzaka allowed three hits and a run over eight innings and struck out eight. This is his first career start against the Devil Rays. The Red Sox have scored just seven runs in Matsuzaka's last six starts.


Wednesday, July 4 Fenway Park | 1:05 PM ET
TB Edwin Jackson, RHP (1-8, 6.88)
Devil Rays (33-48) @ BOS Tim Wakefield, RHP (8-8, 4.31)
Red Sox (50-31)

Scouting Report:
Rays: Jackson started against the Indians on Friday night and had by far his best outing of the season, holding the Indians to one run on six hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings. Jackson showed good fastball command and a mound presence unseen this season, striking out the final three batters he faced.

Red Sox: Despite admitting that his knuckler lacked its usual bite, Wakefield used his primary pitch to great effect against the Rangers on Friday night at Fenway. He allowed 11 baserunners but just one run over 6 1/3 frames, working his way out of some difficult situations to earn a 2-1 win. Wakefield has dominated the Rays over his career, going 15-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 32 appearances -- including 22 starts -- against Tampa Bay.


Thursday, July 5 Fenway Park | 7:05 PM ET
TB J.P. Howell, LHP (1-2, 5.19)
Devil Rays (33-48) @ BOS Josh Beckett, RHP (11-2, 3.38)
Red Sox (50-31)

Scouting Report:
Rays: Howell suffered his second loss of the season Saturday night against the Indians, yielding five earned runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. Howell now has a 9.21 ERA on the road as opposed to his 2.25 ERA at Tropicana Field. He is 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA in one start against the Red Sox in his career.

Red Sox: Beckett was hittable on Saturday night against the Texas Rangers, for no other reason than leaving the ball over the plate throughout a damaging four-run fourth inning. Despite falling short in his bid to win his 12th game, Beckett kept his fastball in the mid-90s and looked sharp for three innings, and he seems primed to bounce back against a struggling Tampa squad.

[craig01]

Question:

The Rays have lost 18 of 22, does the turnaround begin tonight in game 1?

My prediction..........is YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

[craig01]

Prediction:

Bats come alive......Rays will win 8-6.

[craig01]

Another loss.....4-1.

Bats gotta get some life, and soon.

[craig01]

Prediction for game 2:

Jackson will hold the Red Sox hitless for 5 innings, the Rays will provide some support and hold on to win 5-3. The losing streak ends today.

[craig01]

Howell needs a good effort.

I am afraid that AL hitters all have his scouting report though.

[craig01]

For a change , how about a lead before the other team does?

[craig01]

Great first inning........geez 3K's.

[craig01]

BTW, I hate this lineup.

Crawford needs to bat leadoff.

[craig01]

Horrible.

15-3 in the 7th.

This team can't look more beaten.

There is no life to this team.