Yeah, I know, it's only a two-game set, but the Red Sox haven't been swept at home this year. Yet. Also "at stake" is the season series between the teams, tied 9-9 going into the finale. Just like last night's exciting (if sloppy) contest, this one's about pride for the Jays, but has playoff implications for Boston, now a game back of their AL West rivals in the wild-card standings.
The pitching matchup certainly favours the good guys. Roy Halladay, 10-4 with a 3.54 ERA in 16 road starts, seeks his 18th win. One slight concern is that Doc's facing the Red Sox for the sixth time this year, so they are very familiar with him. He's 2-0, 4.26 in those five starts, including a complete game 5-2 victory in Fenway last month. Based on their 2003 numbers, he must be extra careful with Johnny Damon, David Ortiz and Trot Nixon, but he's done a nice job shutting down the righthanded heart of the order.
John Burkett, one of those guys I love to hate, has made three starts vs. the Jays this year, lasting a total of just 11 innings. He's 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA -- almost everybody's hit him, especially Greg Myers, Chris Woodward, Vernon Wells, Eric Hinske and Carlos Delgado. All are in the lineup. Mike Bordick and Josh Phelps are on the bench, along with Tom Wilson, Dave Berg and the still-hobbled Bobby Kielty. Anything can happen in that ballpark, and no lead is safe with these bullpens, so the only prediction I'll make is that it should be fun to watch.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030827062843999