Interleague Game preview: Sox @ Astros Game 3

Beckett (7-5, 3.73) vs. Moehler (4-3, 4.03)
Game 3 of 3 2:05 @ Minute Maid Park

The Sox will try and put the bitter memories of last night's heartbreaking 11-10 loss behind them today when Josh Beckett goes for win number 8 against Houston's Brian Moehler.

Luckily for Boston Beckett has been pitching much better than his record indicates of late, allowing just seven earned runs in his last 27 innings (2.33 ERA) over his last four starts, but he's only got a 2-1 mark in those games after losing a tough 2-1 decision to Dan Haren and the A's last time out.

The veteran Moehler has pitched well for Houston recently also, wrapping three starts in which he's allowed one earned run or less around a horrible outing against Milwaukee in which he gave up seven earned in 4 2/3 innings of a 9-6 loss.

But if today's game is anything like last night's, both these guys ERA will skyrocket amidst a flurry of long balls and laser beams bouncing off the odd angles of Minute Maid Park.

That contest saw 21 runs scored, 27 base hits, 11 extra base hits, 3 hit batters, 6 walks, 16 strikeouts, 20 position players used, 9 pitchers toe the slab and 319 pitches thrown.

I know, it was exhausting just writing that. Imagine playing in that game.

There were so many big hits and strong performances that anyone could have been the hero at any time, but the bottom line is that Boston could have - and should have - won the game if their bullpen had just come through when it had to.

Instead something that has happened way too often this season occurred, namely the pen unable to hold a lead, either by allowing inherited runners to score or just blowing the game outright, and now today Boston will have to scrap to salvage aa series it shoudl have swept heading into the Rays showdown tomorrow.

With Tampa Bay just a half game out after losing a heart breaker of its own in 13 innings last night and playing the lowly Pirates today, a great outing by Josh and a solid win is a must if the team wants to head to the Trop still in first place in the AL East.

But a loss today coupled with a Rays win will make those pesky sea animals even tougher to play knowing that a series win would ensure they hold their grip on the top spot.

Just win, baby. That's all I got to say.