After a three-game set against the Angels that could serve as “Playoff Preview, Part 1,” the Rays now take on the White Sox for three games in what can only be dubbed “Playoff Preview, Part 2.” Sure, the White Sox aren’t assured of their postseason spot like the Angels are, but it’s still a potential look at what we might see come October.
Edwin Jackson makes his play for win #10 again this time out, but he’s got a tough task in front of him, as John Danks is one of the better pitchers in the whole league. This could be a tough one for the Rays.
What to watch for: Can the Rays get ANYTHING done on offense against a tough southpaw like Danks?
Scouting Report on today’s starters from MLB.com:
Edwin Jackson - Jackson pitched well on Saturday night against the Rangers, but he came away with his eighth loss of the season. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed just one run on five hits and three walks while striking out six in six innings. If Jackson is locating his 97-mph fastball, his other pitches can work well, particularly his slider. Jackson is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.
John Danks – In his last start, Danks truly battled to pick up victory No. 7 over his last eight decisions. The left-hander threw 108 pitches in six innings, including an efficient eight-pitch sixth to end his afternoon in Oakland with a flourish. Danks gave up one run on six hits, but he also walked a career-high five and had to pitch out of two bases-loaded jams to avoid a setback. He has found great success in 2008 against Friday’s opponent, posting a 2-0 record and a 0.69 ERA. Over 13 innings against the Rays, Danks has fanned 16 and walked one. He has a 4-4 record with a 3.67 ERA at home this year.
Check out the Rays’ career numbers against John Danks.
View the game preview from Baseball Reference.
| TAMPA BAY RAYS |
CHICAGO WHITE SOX |
| LINEUP 1 | LINEUP 1 |
| LINEUP 2 | LINEUP 2 |
| LINEUP 3 | LINEUP 3 |
| LINEUP 4 | LINEUP 4 |
| LINEUP 5 | LINEUP 5 |
| LINEUP 6 | LINEUP 6 |
| LINEUP 7 | LINEUP 7 |
| LINEUP 8 | LINEUP 8 |
| LINEUP 9 | LINEUP 9 |
Be sure to join us in the chat room for some good Rays talk during the game!!!
Tags: White Sox
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
No more bitching…Rays have best record in baseball…in late August! Go Rays!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:01 am
Rocco with a dinger!!! Nice offensive burst from the Rays against a playoff quality pitching staff.
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:09 am
Nice to see the road at 500. Win the first one and you know you have a shot at winning the series. Good to see Rocco connect. Bet that did wonders for his health. How about Willie’s bat now that he is playing regular. Think he filled the shoes of Longo pretty good. We just keep mirroring that team from up north will be just fine. Although it would be nice to have a 7 or 8 game lead going into Sept.