The Red Sox send Josh Beckett against Baltimore and Tommy Hunter as Boston tries once again to stop the epic collapse short of missing the playoffs. Beckett pitched a mixed game after returning from his ankle injury. He walked on Orioles batter and struck out eight, but allowed seven hits and six runs, including two homers. Hunter was Beckett’s opposition in that game and did not get the decision as he allowed four runs in 6 2/3 innings. His results in September are mixed, as he walked six and struck out 23 in 32 2/3 innings, but allowed six home runs to help him to a 4.68 ERA in the month.

Cliff Lee makes his final bid for a Cy Young award as he attempts to take down the Braves and Randall Delgado. Lee is finishing strong, with a 0.75 ERA since the start of August. Delgado is the master of getting out of trouble in his rookie year, with a .120 BA allowed with runners in scoring position.

Hector Noesi draws Rays ace James Shields as New York visits Tampa Bay. Noesi owns a 6.26 ERA on the road this season. He walked 12 batters in 23 innings away from Yankee Stadium. Shields pitched well against New York this season, with a 2.40 ERA in four starts. That wasn’t good enough to win, however, as he’s 1-3 against the Yankees.

St. Louis does get to play the Astros, but they also get to face one of Houston’s better pitchers as Jaime Garcia battles Wandy Rodriguez. Garica owns a 4.42 ERA on the road, where for some reason he’s allowed 35 more hits in seven fewer innings. The magic wand allowed five home runs in his last 24 2/3 innings.

Enjoy!