Beckett will be trying to keep alive a string of solid starts for the staff.
Beginning with Jon Lester's gem Saturday in New York, the rotation has a 1.55 ERA in four starts.
The Sox, eliminated from playoff contention Tuesday, will be facing veteran Freddy Garcia. The White Sox, fresh off a walk-off win on Tuesday, were eliminated from making the postseason on Sept. 21, when they lost to the A's.
WHEN AND WHERE
Red Sox (87-70) at White Sox (84-73)
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 8:10 p.m.
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
HEAD TO HEAD
The White Sox have won four of five matchups this year.
PITCHING MATCHUP
RHP Josh Beckett (6-5, 5.77 ERA) vs. RHP Freddy Garcia (11-6, 4.74 ERA)
Beckett's string of quality starts ended at five his last time out in New York but he was able to get the win over the Yankees. He gave up five runs in 6 2/3 innings in a 10-8 victory.
The righty is 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in seven starts vs. Chicago. He is 3-1 at U.S. Cellular Field.
The veteran Garcia has also enjoyed success in these matchups. He is 7-2 lifetime vs. Boston, including a win at Fenway Park last September.
LINEUPS
| Red Sox | White Sox | |
|---|---|---|
|
Juan Pierre, LF Omar Vizquel, 2B Carlos Quentin, RF A.J. Pierzynski, C Alexei Ramirez, SS Mark Teahen, DH Mark Kotsay, 1B Brent Morel, 3B Alejandro De Aza, CF |
STAT SHEET
Red Sox
- Right-hander Daniel Bard has given up 12 hits and eight walks in 12 innings this month.
- David Ortiz has 999 RBIs as a designated hitter, four shy of tying Edgar Martinez for the all-time record.
- Third baseman Adrian Beltre needs one double to become the ninth player in team history to have 50 in a season.
White Sox
- Outfielder Juan Pierre has 63 stolen bases, two shy of matching his career high.
- Designated hitter Manny Ramirez is 3-for-7 with two walks in the series.
- Chicago is 27-21 in one-run games.
BLACK AND BLUE
Red Sox
- Second baseman Dustin Pedroia had season-ending surgery Sept. 3 on his broken left foot. He is expected to be fully healed for spring training.
- Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) will not resume any baseball-related activities until after the season ends.
- Center fielder Mike Cameron had season-ending surgery to repair an abdominal tear.
- First baseman Kevin Youkilis had successful surgery to repair the torn right adductor muscle on his right hand. He will miss the remainder of the season.
- Left-hander Felix Doubront has pain behind his left clavicle. He will not pitch again this season but hopes to throw a bullpen session before the regular season ends.
- Right-hander Junichi Tazawa underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He is out for the year.
White Sox
- Outfielder Alex Rios left Monday's game after fouling a pitch off his right leg.
- Right-hander Gavin Floyd may not pitch again this year after leaving his last start with shoulder tightness.
- Second baseman Gordon Beckham has been bothered by a bruised right hand.
- Right-hander Bobby Jenks is out with a sore right forearm.
- Right-hander Jake Peavy had season-ending surgery to repair a detached muscle in his back on July 14.
OUTLOOK
Beckett has been building momentum for some time now, little by little. He won't be able to take that momentum into October for a change, but ending on a good note cannot hurt his chances for a bounceback 2011 campaign.
