Red Sox tab Matsuzaka for Game 1
Sports Network | October 08, 2008
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox have set their rotation for their upcoming American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, handing the Game 1 start to Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka went 18-3 with a 2.90 earned run average this season, including a perfect 9-0 record on the road. He did not receive a decision in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels, throwing five innings and allowing three runs on eight hits.
Josh Beckett, who has a career postseason record of 6-2 with a 2.09 ERA, will start Game 2. Jon Lester will pitch Game 3 after throwing 14 innings in the series against the Angels while giving up just one unearned run, and Tim Wakefield will get the nod in Game 4. Wakefield did not appear in the ALDS and has a 5-6 postseason record with a 6.36 ERA in his career.
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