Projo Sox Blog

Sox batters will stroll into the batter's box tomorrow with a familiar, bearded, scowling face staring down at them from the mound. It is Tampa's Matt Garza, a pitcher who has stymied them as much as anyone recently.

Garza has allowed one run in 14.2 innings against Boston this year, with 15 strikeouts.

"He's got some of the best stuff in the league, and we've witnessed that. He's had some tremendous games against us," manager Terry Francona said.

He was average last year against Boston in the regular season, but dominant in the American League Championship Series, winning both starts against Boston, with a 1.38 ERA. Counting those postseason starts, Garza has allowed three runs over his last 27 innings against Boston.

Outfielder Rocco Baldelli was Garza's teammate during that postseason run, and he now has the displeasure of facing the power righthander.

"When he's on he's throwing a 97 MPH two-seamer, which is tough on everyone. When he's throwing his breaking ball for strikes, whether it be his slider or his curveball he's tough. When he's on he's tough against anyone. It's not just us. You go out there and hope you catch him on an off day and try to string together a couple of hits if he is on. He's tough," Baldelli said.

The Sox aren't sure exactly how to get to Garza -- beyond getting his pitch count up, and disrupting his focus and rhythm.

"I don't know that there's a secret against anybody. He gets in a rhythm. The best way to break up a rhythm is by getting hots, or walks, or laying down a bunt or something. We're going to have to work because when he gets comfortable his stuff is as good as there is, and unfortunately we've witnessed it a few times," Francona said.

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi Matt Garza Rocco Baldelli Terry Francona

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