First Pitch: Tuesday 7:10, Wednesday 7:10, Thursday 7:10
Arms: Tuesday: Mark Buehrle, LHP (5-7, 3.41 ERA) vs. Clay Buchholz, RHP (7-2, 5.38 ERA)
Wednesday: Ricky Nolasco, RHP (6-5, 4.37 ERA) vs. Felix Doubront, LHP (7-3, 4.17 ERA)
Thursday: Carlos Zambrano, RHP (4-5, 3.92 ERA) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (0-2, 5.73 ERA)
The Matchup
Last time
We saw this movie in Miami last week for a 3-game set, and the Sox walked away with 2 victories to close out the series after dropping the first game. Josh Johnson didn't give the Sox much to work with in the first game. The Sox responded with Clay Buchholz in game 2 and Felix Doubront in game 3, and the Sox outscored the Marlins 12-3 in those two games.
This time
Laser Show: David Ortiz
Don't Fall Behind: Mark Buehrle
If Clay Buchholz didn't one-up Buehrle on the mound, we would be talking about how great he pitched against the Sox. The Sox didn't have an easy time against him and luckily Kelly Shoppach had his number. Mark Buehrle will be out for revenge and the Sox can't let him get comfortable.
How we see it goin' down
This series is almost identical to the last with the same pitching match-ups with the exception of Thursday's Zambrano/Matsuzaka match-up. The Red Sox have to get streaky very quickly to become competitive in the division. If the clubhouse can get their act together and play well, they can put some runs up on the scoreboard. I feel good about the pitching match-ups and see the Sox sweeping Miami, even with Dice-K on the mound on Thursday. I may be too optimistic.
