Matsuzaka vs Edwin Jackson at the Trop

By Dan in Red Sox ⋅ August 22, 2007 at 5:32pm ⋅ Post a comment

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

The last time Matsuzaka (13-9, 3.79 ERA) faced the D-Rays he was lit up for six runs in six innings getting the loss last Wednesday.

Tampa Bay’s manager Joe Madden said of the night, “We were just working better at-bats… We were more patient I thought. Made him throw more strikes.”

Dice-K has started three games against the Rays. All in the last 2 months. His first start was an eight inning shutout win July 3rd. His second start on July 29th was a 6.1 IP, 2 ER performance where he got the loss. Both starts being against Scott Kazmir. Dice-K isnt getting it any easier tonight going against a hot Edwin Jackson.

Edwin Jackson tonight is a guy to watch out for. Edwin was a very solid prospect coming up through the minors in the Dodgers organization, now passed onto Tampa they’ve had to ride out his inconsistencies. But recently he has been very good. Post ASB (All Star Break, 42.1 IP) he has a 2.98 ERA and in August (21 IP) a 1.71 ERA. Some of Edwins peripherals good but when you’re getting it done, you’re getting it done.

Terry Francona said that Manny “probably” won’t play today.

Here are some numbers from Rob Bradford. You can find them on his blog the Bradford Files at the Boston Herald

- Julio Lugo is still looking for his first extra base hit and RBI this season in a Monday road game. He’s 3 for 28 (.107) in those games this season.

* – Since Aug 4, the Red Sox have led the majors with 48 doubles. Up to that point in the season, they were 9th.

* – From the 6th inning on in road games this season, opposing batters are 2 for 52 (.038) against Boston when the at bat lasts more than 6 pitches. In the same situations at Fenway, opponents are 11 for 55 (.200).

Tags: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Edwin Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays