Game Preview: Sox @ Rays GM3

Matsuzaka (13-9, 3.76) vs. Jackson (3-12, 5.69)
Tropicana Field 710

The last time Dice pitched at the Trop I had the misfortune of watching him lose a pitcher's duel with Scott Kazmir. Maybe the Sox will score him some runs tonight.

The Sox will try for the sweep tonight at the Trop, and they've got the right pitching matchup to do so.

Although Rookie of the Year candidate Daisuke Matsuzaka has lost his last two starts against Tampa Bay, the fact that he will be opposed by a 12-game loser has to give him a bit more confidence.

Not more confidence in his pitching, but more confidence in the ability of the Boston offense to score more than 4 runs for him, something they have failed to do in 5 of his last 9 starts.

Jackson has rebounded after a terrible start, allowing just 4 earned runs in his last 4 starts covering 28 innings (1.28ERA), including a 4-hit complete game shutout at Texas on August 11th.

But the juggernaut that is Boston vs. Tampa Bay should allow the Sox a way to solve Jackson's recent magic streak and hopefully put 8-9 runs on the board to get Dice-K a much-needed easy victory.

NOTES: As he announced yesterday, Tito will rest Manny Ramirez tonight, with Eric Hinske playing left and Mike Lowell jumping up to Manny's 4-spot...Rays manager Joe Maddon also announced that his star outfielder, Delmon Young, will sit this one out as well.