(Best E Casino) - As the race grows tighter in the AL East the
Boston Red Sox and
New York Yankees will no doubt make the division even more interesting as the two teams get set to collide this afternoon in the second matchup of a three-game set at Fenway Park.
The Yankees will turn to ol' reliable today, as Andy Pettitte will take the mound trying to help New York gain ground in the division. Pettitte has been very solid throughout the season, and has won six of his last eight matchups.
The last time the southpaw was on the hill he tossed a gem against Oakland. In the 2-1 victory the veteran hurler went eight strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out nine batters.
Pettitte squared off against the Red Sox earlier this season, but did not fare well at all, surrendering six runs on nine hits and three walks in just 4 2/3 innings of duty.
Tim Wakefield will take the mound for the Red Sox, and he is no stranger to the heated rivalry between the two teams. The knuckleballer is coming off a 5-3 loss to Anaheim back on July 20th. In the setback Wakefield surrendered four runs on six hits in seven innings.
The 41-year-old is currently 6-7 overall on the season, but he has performed much better at home, posting a solid 5-2 ledger with an equally impressive 3.04 ERA.
Earlier this month the crafty veteran took on the Bronx Bombers, and put forth a quality effort, allowing just three runs in 6 1/3 innings. Wakefield struck out five and walked just one batter, but did not figure in the decision.
Last night, Jason Giambi knocked in the lone run as the Yankees clipped the Red Sox, 1-0.
Bobby Abreu collected two hits and scored the run for the Yankees, who have won seven straight games.
Joba Chamberlain (3-3) was stellar on the hill, scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings, with nine strikeouts and one walk. Mariano Rivera recorded the final five outs to earn his 26th save.
During the contest, the Yankees announced the acquisition of outfielder Xavier Nady and pitcher Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, right-field prospect Jose Tabata, plus right-handed hurler George Kontos and left-hander Phil Coke.
David Ortiz returned to the lineup for the first time since May 31, going 1- for-4 for the Red Sox, whose three-game win streak was halted. Boston's offense might have also suffered since left-fielder Manny Ramirez was a late scratch due to right knee soreness.
Josh Beckett (9-7) took the loss despite limiting the visitors to nine hits and one run over seven innings, fanning six and walking one.
Each team has won five of 10 meetings this season.
