6/19-6/21: Braves @ Red Sox Series Preview

Written by: David Lee on 19th June 2009

6/19-6/21: Braves @ Red Sox Series Preview | read this item

The Braves enter the toughest stretch of games in Major League Baseball in perhaps the worst shape they’ve been in all season. The stretch begins with three at Fenway.

The Braves’ last series win was the final series of May, winning two of three from the D-Backs. They are 6-9 in the month of June. They are coming off a series loss to the Orioles, though the last game of the series was a 7-0 win. The Braves sit at 31-34 are actually closer to first place than before their most recent series loss.

The Red Sox are cruising in first right now, sitting at 40-26. Their last series loss was early June against the Rangers, and they are 11-4 this month. They haven’t had much trouble with fellow NL East opponents, taking two of three from the Phillies and Marlins.

(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/19 – 7:00
Kenshin Kawakami (3-6, 4.54)
vs.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4, 7.55…1-0, 3.38 in 1 start)

As if it was meant to be, the two Japanese stars face off in the opening game of the series. Neither has been impressive this season, especially Matsuzaka, who hasn’t had an ERA below 6.75 this season and hasn’t even reached six innings in a start yet. Kawakami continues to cruise through no decisions, giving up two runs in five innings in his last start.

6/20 – 7:00
Derek Lowe (7-4, 4.08)
vs.
Josh Beckett (7-3, 4.15…6-7, 2.45 in 15 starts)

One of the biggest matchups of the season takes place on Saturday, with the two aces going at it. If Lowe’s previous starts this season are any indication, his best stuff will be on display in this big game. Surprisingly, Lowe has never faced his former team. Old foe Beckett has had a similar season to Lowe thus far and he also struggled in his last start, giving up six runs to the Phillies. Both starters are looking to rebound.

6/21 – 1:30
Jair Jurrjens (5-5, 2.89)
vs.
Tim Wakefield (9-3, 4.39…3-4, 5.06 in 6 starts, 13 total games)

Another solid matchup goes down on Sunday, with the young hurler against the old knuckleballer. Jurrjens continues to earn tough losses despite keeping his ERA below three. He only threw two innings due to rain in his last start so he is plenty rested. The Red Sox have given Wakefield tremendous run support this season so Jurrjens must be on point.

Key Red Sox Relievers:
CL – Jonathan Papelbon (29 IP, 6 ER, 16 SV…5.1 IP, ER, 3 SV)
SU – Hideki Okajima (30 IP, 8 ER, 13 HLD…2 IP, 0 ER)
MR – Ramon Ramirez (32 IP, 7 ER, 8 HLD…3.1 IP, 0 ER)

Key Red Sox Hitters:
1B – Kevin Youkilis (.324, 12 HR, 39 RBI….333, 4 HR, 7 RBI in 12 games)
LF – Jason Bay (.278, 17 HR, 63 RBI….261, 3 HR, 16 RBI in 39 games)
3B – Mike Lowell (.291, 10 HR, 41 RBI….276, 14 HR, 69 RBI in 111 games)

Red Sox Injuries:
SS – Jed Lowrie (15-day, wrist sprain)
SP – John Smoltz (15-day, shoulder surgery)
RP – Miguel Gonzalez (60-day, elbow surgery)

Links:
MLB.com Gameday
Jurrjens’ father thrilled that he’s in Atlanta
STATS Preview

Topics: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Daisuke Matsuzaka, derek lowe, jair jurrjens, Jason Bay, Jonathan Papelbon, Josh Beckett, kenshin kawakami, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell, Preview, Tim Wakefield