Is it just a Matt – er of time?
By Joel Verlin | October 5th, 2008 | Posted in Discussion, Game Thread
It’s up to Matt Garza, the second half ace for the Rays, to help the good guys take the battle to the south side of Chicago today. The North Side Cubs have already been eliminated from post season play by the Dodgers. Now, the speedy Rays can take care of the White Sox. But the good guys can’t underestimate the WhiteSox, After all the Brewers are still in it! Last time around, Aki and Kid K helped the Rays get the job done. Who will step up to the plate today to help the Rays win their FIRST ever ALDS?
Here are “just the facts” from MLB.com:
Rays starter: RHP Matt Garza
2008: 11-9, 3.70 ERA
2008 on road: 4-6, 4.53 ERA
2008 vs. White Sox: Did not face White Sox in 2008
Career vs. White Sox: 1-1, 4.97 ERA
Career postseason: First appearance
White Sox starter: LHP John Danks
2008: 12-9, 3.32 ERA
2008 at home: 5-6, 3.66 ERA
2008 vs. Rays: 2-1, 1.86 ERA
Career vs. Rays: 3-1, 2.96 ERA
Career postseason: First appearanceRays lead series, 2-0. Twenty-seven of the 31 teams to take a 2-0 lead in the Division Series have advanced.
Game 1: Rays 6, White Sox 4
Game 2: Rays 6, White Sox 2
Did You Know? Danks generally had better stats on the road this season (7-3, 2.92) than at U.S. Cellular Field (5-6, 3.66). However, opponents hit just .238 against him at home, 18 points lower than his road average.
October 5th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Who knew? Kazmir, who we were really worried about, did well. Garza, whom we weren’t worried about, didn’t. Anyone one else think this series is coming back to Tampa for the deciding game?
October 5th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I don’t. Can’t put the entire loss on Garza, had runners in scoring position and couldn’t get them in. It’s over tommorrow.