Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa pitcher James Shields has made no secret of the fact that he can't wait to face the Red Sox in Game One of the ALCS Friday night at Tropicana Field.

The right-hander posted a 2-2 mark against Boston this season, and was even involved in a bench-clearing brawl at Fenway Park in June when he drilled the Sox' Coco Crisp. Shields has become the ace of the Rays' rotation and the Red Sox know they'll have to be at their best against him.

"We have to get a good pitch to hit," said Sox' Dustin Pedroia. "He's got a great changeup and his command is great. He's been good in the big games for them this year. We need to find a way to get his pitch count up and get him out of there as soon as possible."

Shields will face the Sox' Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has pitched against the Rays eight times over the past two seasons.

"I have faced this team many times, but it's hard to refer back to last year because I've also changed as a pitcher," said Matsuzaka. "A lot of the same players are still in the lineup, so I have a good idea of what spots to pitch to and what pitches are effective. I just hope I can execute those pitches."

Dice-K has a 2-3 career record versus the Rays, along with a 3.75 ERA. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 3.41 at Tropicana Field.

 Tags  Daisuke Matsuzaka Dustin Pedroia James Shields Rays Red Sox

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