The Indians send their second ace to the mound tonight to try to earn a split against the Red Sox. Fausto Carmona comes off a strong September and a strong start against the Yankees to try to stop a team undefeated in the post season. In his way stands Curt Schilling, known for his post-season prowess.

Carmona posted the best ERA in the majors after the All-Star break (min. 70 IP). His strikeout rate wasn't extraordinary, but opposition batters found him tough to hit. Fausto pitched like that against the Yankees, striking out five in nine innings but allowing just three hits. He was also especially good at keeping the ball in the park in the second half, only giving up six home runs in 107 1/3 innings.

Lefties hit Fausto better than righties, posting a .276 BA during the regular season while righties hit just .216. But Carmona did a good job of limiting lefty power, as left-handers had a lower isolated power than righties. They doubled off Fausto rather than homering. In his 1-0 win over Boston in July, all four hits came from the left side, but they were all singles.

Curt Schilling comes into this game with a 9-2 record in the playoffs and a 1.93 ERA. He's only walked 23 batters in 116 1/3 innings. Opponents managed just a .243 OBA against Curt and a .308 slugging percentage.

Schilling walk rate was even lower during the 2007 campaign, issuing just 23 in 151 innings. He's become more of a finesse pitcher, striking out thirty in his 56 2/3 innings since returning from his injury, but walking just four. No free passes, and not too many hits. The Indians do strike out a bit, so we'll see Curt tries to use that weakness to his advantage.

The real challenge for Carmona isn't Schilling, of course, but Ortiz and Ramirez. They are a combined 12 for 19 with 16 walks in the post season. Their combined OBA is around .800. Keeping them off base is the key to shutting down the Red Sox.

I'll bring you first-hand reporting from Fenway tonight, as I'm off to the ballpark. Pictures tomorrow.

Enjoy!