MLB Match-Up Wednesday - Beckett tries to boost slumping Red Sox against surging Angels

July 29, 2008

Mark TeixeiraMark Teixeira

by T.J. Kendrick

Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox - Wednesday, July 30 at 7:05 p.m. ET

If the regular season ended today, the Angels (65-40) would likely be World Series favorites. They’ve torn through Major League Baseball in July, going 15-6 thanks to solid efforts in all phases of the game.

After ranking near the bottom third in American League run scoring all season, the offense has suddenly come alive. The Angels have scored the second-most runs in July, averaging about six per outing. Torii Hunter has been a big part of that, hitting .315 with seven homers and 17 RBIs in 20 games this month.

The staff has been extremely solid this season, posting a 3.90 team ERA. Joe Saunders (13-5) has been a big part of that. Los Angeles has won three of its last four games started by Saunders. The young righty has been extremely consistent this season, allowing him to put up a 3.10 ERA.

That’s bad news for Boston. Even worse news? Saunders pitches very well against the Red Sox, even on the road. He’s notched a 3-0 record and 2.87 ERA in five career starts against Boston, including two wins and a sparkling 2.63 ERA in two starts at Fenway Park.

Boston (61-46) needs to get its act in gear before it blows a playoff spot. It’s certainly not time to panic, but the Yankees are suddenly in the mix and the Devil Rays still own the AL East division lead. The Red Sox have won just four of 10 since the All-Star break.

Their hitting has been awful during that stretch, producing just 39 runs and a .251 batting average. David Ortiz just returned from the disabled list and has been good (7/16, one HR, four RBIs in four games) but it hasn’t been enough to propel the offense.

At least Boston is turning to ace Josh Beckett (9-7) on Wednesday. Beckett hasn’t been as sharp as he was last season, but he’s been good nonetheless, posting a 3.83 ERA and 119 strike outs in 127 innings.

He’s lost his last two starts, though it wasn’t entirely his fault (he lost his last outing 1-0). He’s been reliable against the Angels throughout his career, though, going 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA in five career starts.

Boston needs a to go on a bit of a run, but it might be tough sledding against Los Angeles. The Angels have won six of their past 10 games against the Sox, including a three-game sweep a few weeks ago. Considering how these teams are playing, a likely scenario will follow Wednesday night. The Angels get another win.

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Mark Teixeira

Written by T.J. Kendrick · Filed Under Baseball, Handicapping 

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