Daisuke Matsuzaka Looks to Continue Strong Second Half Against Mariners

A series split against the Seattle Mariners would undoubtedly be a disappointment for the Red Sox, especially after winning the first two games of the set.

The Sox turn to Daisuke Matsuzaka to prevent that from happening when the teams finish the four-game series on Sunday afternoon.

Matsuzaka, who has won his last two starts, will be hoping for better run support than was given Jon Lester on Saturday night. Lester struck out a career-high 13 and set down the first 16 in order but wound up on the wrong end of a 5-1 score.

Boston has scored five runs in the last 24 innings of the series.

The loss on Saturday was the 11th in 17 games for the Sox and dropped them four games back in the wild-card race.

WHEN AND WHERE

Red Sox (55-43) at Mariners (38-60)
Sunday, July 25, 4:10 p.m.
Safeco Field, Seattle

HEAD TO HEAD

The Sox are 24-31 all-time in Safeco Field.

PITCHING MATCHUP

RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (7-3, 4.29 ERA) vs. RHP Doug Fister (3-5, 3.50 ERA)

While the returns of Clay Buchholz and Josh Beckett figure to give the Red Sox’ rotation a big boost, the recent improvement by Matsuzaka may be just as important.

In a pair of starts bridging the All-Star break, Matsuzaka is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA while striking out 11 and walking just two. His ERA is at a season low, and the righty is 4-1 in eight road starts.

Matsuzaka is 2-1 with a 3.99 ERA in six career starts against Seattle.

Another quality arm who gets very little run support, Fister is 0-5 in his last nine starts. He has a 2.51 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP at Safeco Field.

LINEUPS

STAT SHEET

Red Sox

• The Sox have hit 36 home runs in their last 26 games.
• Boston has scored four runs or fewer in 10 of the club’s last 11 games.
• Right-hander Manny Delcarmen has issued 22 walks while striking out 23 this year.

Mariners

• The Seattle bullpen has thrown 5 1/3 scoreless innings over the last two nights.
• Outfielder Milton Bradley on Saturday hit his first triple since May 27, 2009.
• First baseman Justin Smoak is hitless in his last 20 at bats.

BLACK AND BLUE

Red Sox

• Second baseman Dustin Pedroia (broken left foot) has started to swing and perform strengthening exercises. He will be examined again Monday in Los Angeles.
• Catcher Jason Varitek remains on crutches and is a couple of weeks behind Pedroia in terms of his recovery from a broken left foot.
• Catcher Victor Martinez caught Tim Wakefield‘s bullpen session Thursday and Clay Buchholz‘s on Saturday. He will serve as the bullpen catcher Sunday and could return as soon as Monday.
• Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury has begun to take live batting practice as he continues to rehab from a broken rib in Fort Myers. Manager Terry Francona said there is a chance Ellsbury begins playing in minor league games next week.
• Mike Lowell went 4-for-4 with three doubles and two RBIs in his second rehab game for Pawtucket on Saturday. He played first base in the contest.
• Righty Junichi Tazawa underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He is out for the year.

Mariners

• First baseman Russell Branyan has been bothered by a sore left foot and a stiff back.
• Left-hander Erik Bedard remains sidelined following shoulder surgery last August. He was slated to return in early July but has still felt some discomfort and may not return until next month. He is seeking a third opinion on the shoulder.
• Designated hitter Mike Sweeney is on the DL with back spasms. He may return soon.

OUTLOOK

The most difficult stretch of the Sox’ 10-game road trip figures to be the three-game series in Anaheim beginning Monday. Entering that series on a negative note could set the club up for a rough flight home in a few days.

Matsuzaka’s last two starts have come at times when Boston needed it most. It’s time for him to continue that trend.