May 29, 2008
Games of the Day
Randy Johnson
Photo: Icon SMI
The Blue Jays and Athletics finish up their low scoring series with another good pitching matchup as Jesse Litsch faces Dana Eveland. Litsch represents another good example of how a low walk rate can compensate for a high home run rate. Eight of the nine home runs he allowed came with the bases empty. Eveland comes from the opposite direction. His walks don't hurt him very much since he allows few hits and home runs.
We might see a playoff preview today as the White Sox travel to Tampa Bay for a four game series. Chicago holds a two game lead over Minnesota, and the Rays lead the Red Sox by three in the AFILC. Danks has a good ERA and a poor record. The White Sox lost two of his May starts by a score of 2-0. Edwin Jackson takes the hill for the Rays, and is another pitcher who has benefited from the power falloff in the American League. Last season his home run rate was 23.6 per 200 innings, this season that's down to 13.4.
Finally, the Giants go for a sweep of the Diamondbacks with two lefties on the mound, one an old man and the other pitching like one. Barry Zito picked up his first win his last time out. He's actually been effective in May, posting a 3.22 ERA despite a 1-2 record. He's still walking too many batters, but he's cut down the number of hits allowed. Johnson is hitting his stride. In his last two starts he's struck out 15 batters in 13 innings, walking one and allowing one run.
Enjoy!
Find the latest baseball betting odds at Bodog Sports!
Posted by David Pinto at
08:44 AM
|
Matchups
|
TrackBack (0)