Texas' four game series against the Boston Red Sox is only getting harder on Wednesday night. After winning on Monday night behind C.J. Wilson in the series opener, the Red Sox came back with a vengeance on Tuesday night, clubbing the Rangers 11-5 behind John Lackey. On Wednesday, the Red Sox send Texas native Josh Beckett to the mound to take on the Rangers.
Beckett has been one of the top pitchers in the American League this year, with a 2.46 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and .201 BAA. Beckett has struck out 137 against just 40 walks in 157 innings of work to go along with his 10-5 record. As per usual, the records for a pitcher are essentially meaningless as Beckett has pitched much better than a mere 10-5 record would indicate.
Texas will counter Beckett with left handed starter Matt Harrison. Harrison is coming off back-to-back no decisions. After failing to escape the sixth inning against the Athletics two starts ago, Harrison failed to escape the fifth inning in his most recent start against the White Sox, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks in four and a third innings. On the season, Harrison sports a 3.28 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and .254 BAA.
Texas enters play three and a half games up on second place Los Angeles. The Angels continue their series against the Chicago White Sox tonight, sending one of their two aces to the mound tonight in the form of Jered Weaver.
First pitch from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CDT - thanks to ESPN2 carrying the game.