The pitching matchup of the day is in Puerto Rico, as island native Javier Vazquez of the Expos host Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins. Overall, they have similar ERAs, but lately they’re headed in different directions. Dontrelle has not won a game in a month and has a 6.93 ERA since that win. Vazquez has posted a 1.80 ERA over his last seven starts.
On the 25th anniversay of the start of the Boston Massacare, the Red Sox hope to complete their own demolition of the Yankees as they go for a sweep in their three game series. Jeff Suppan faces the imploding David Wells (an exploding David Wells would be too gross). The Sox have outscored the Yankees 20-3 in the first two games.
Colby Lewis of the Rangers goes for his 8th win against the first place Twins, despite a 7.85 ERA. The highest ERA for a player with at least eight wins belongs to Jim Walkup, who went 9-12 for the 1937 St. Louis Browns. The aptly named pitcher walked 83 batters in 150 1/3 innings that year. In 1938, despite lowering his ERA by 1/2 a run, he was only 1-12.
Wade Miller tries tp continues his renaissance today against the Padre’s Jake Peavy. Miller’s been outstanding in his last nine starts, going 7-2 with a 2.75 ERA. He’s only allowed four HR in his last 59 innings, after giving up 10 in his first 110.
Enjoy!