Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
Wednesday’s Red Sox-Rangers matchups: Josh Beckett vs. Matt Harrison 08.24.11 at 12:00 pm ET
By Tyler Murray

Josh Beckett

The Red Sox and Rangers will play the third game of a four-game set Wednesday night in Arlington as Boston tries overtake the Yankees atop the AL East and turn around the season series with Texas. The Red Sox will send ace Josh Beckett to the mound, while the Rangers answer with Matt Harrison.

Thanks to another solid outing last Thursday, Beckett (10-5, 2.46 ERA) has now recorded quality starts in six of his last seven appearances. The right-hander held the Royals to three runs on seven hits over seven innings, and kept his ERA among the top four in the major leagues. It was an encouraging bounce-back performance after a five-run, eight-hit loss against Seattle on August 13.

Beckett hasn’t faced the Rangers in over a year, dating back to a wild, 11-inning loss on Aug. 23, 2010, in Arlington. Beckett allowed six runs on 10 hits, including three home runs, and was pulled after five innings. The Red Sox clawed back thanks to a seven-run fourth inning, but Texas had the last laugh on a Nelson Cruz walk-off home run.

The Boston starter has been effective regardless of where he pitches this year, although his home ERA is nearly a full point better than his road ERA. The right-hander has performed well against lefties, holding them to a .185 average and .253 on-base percentage. However, nine of the 15 home runs Beckett’s allowed have come against left-handed hitting.

Texas is hitting a combined .286 with six home runs in 129 plate appearances against Beckett. Reigning 2010 AL MVP Josh Hamilton (who was at the heart of a fascinating debate about whether he or Beckett should be drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft) leads the team with two home runs, six RBIs and a .500 average in 13 plate appearances against the Boston starter. Endy Chavez is hitting .360 with two doubles in his team-high 25 matchups with Beckett, while Michael Young has struggled with just three hits in 23 plate appearances.

The Rangers seem to love when Harrison (10-8, 3.28 ERA) takes the mound, at least over the past two months. Dating back to July 5, Texas has won eight out of Harrison’s last nine starts. Last month, the left-hander went 3-0 with a 2.04 ERA. In four August starts, however, Harrison has struggled to a 5.16 ERA. Still, the Rangers have turned up the offensive firepower as of late, averaging 7.66 runs in their last three games.

Despite the team’s success, Harrison was unable to get through the sixth inning in either of his last two starts. Against the White Sox on August 19, he was pulled in the fifth after giving up three runs on four hits while walking three. On August 14 in Oakland, Harrison allowed six runs on four hits and walked three more. Granted, both of those starts came on the road, and Harrison has been a better pitcher at home. In 12 starts at the Ballpark in Arlington, he’s posted a 3.15 ERA, compared to 3.42 on the road.

The 25-year-old has allowed just one home run this month, which is a major improvement from earlier in the season, when he allowed six home runs in seven starts in April and May. Harrison is a southpaw, but he’s actually performed better against right-handed hitting this year. Lefties are hitting .289 off Harrison, while righties are at .242. Still, the Red Sox’ lefty-heavy lineup wasn’t able to do much against the Texas starter back on April 3, when Harrison allowed just one run over seven innings in a 5-1 win.

As a team, the Red Sox are hitting .175 against Harrison in 64 combined plate appearances. Darnell McDonald has the lone Boston home run to go along with two walks in five plate appearances. Mike Aviles has a team-high 12 matchups with Harrison, but he’s just 1-for-12 with two strikeouts. David Ortiz has the best numbers against the Texas starter, hitting .429 in eight plate appearances.

Red Sox vs. Harrison

Mike Aviles (12 plate appearances): .083 BA/.083 OBP/.083 SLG, 1 RBI, 2 strikeouts

David Ortiz (8): 3-for-7, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Dustin Pedroia (8): 1-for-7, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Marco Scutaro (7): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Carl Crawford (6): 2-for-6, 1 RBI, 3 strikeouts

Jed Lowrie (6): 1-for-6, 1 RBI, 1 strikeout

Darnell McDonald (5): 1-for-3, 1 home run, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Jacoby Ellsbury (4): 0-for-4, 1 strikeout

Adrian Gonzalez (3): 0-for-3, 2 strikeouts

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (3): 0-for-3, 1 strikeout

Jason Varitek (2): 0-for-2, 1 strikeout

Rangers vs. Beckett

Endy Chavez (25): .360 BA/.360 OBP/.520 SLG, 2 triples, 2 RBIs, 4 strikeouts

Michael Young (23): .136/.130/.273, 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 4 strikeouts

Mike Napoli (18): .188/.278/.625, 1 double, 2 home runs, 3 RBIs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts

Josh Hamilton (13): .500/.538/1.000, 2 home runs, 6 RBI, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts

Yorvit Torrealba (13): .308/.308/.615, 1 strikeout

Elvis Andrus (10): .286/.444/.286, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 1 strikeout

Nelson Cruz (9): 1-for-8, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts

Ian Kinsler (6): 2-for-6, 2 doubles, 1 RBI, 2 strikeouts

David Murphy (6): 2-for-4, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 2 walk

Omar Quintanilla (4): 0-for-4

Mitch Moreland (2): 2-for-2, 1 home run, 2 RBIs

Read More: Josh Beckett, Matt Harrison, Rangers, Red Sox Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://startingbabyon1.livejournal.com/ starting baby on solid

    I cannot seem to find a method concerning how to start as a blogger. I can use some help on the way to start blog .

  • http://www.sigmakom.com/ Herbert Cutrona

    Hello, good website with great info. I in truth enjoy coming back here frequently. There is only 1 matter that riles me and that is the malfunctioning of remark posting. I ordinarily get to 500 error page, and have to type the post twice.

  • http://www.allegropl.net/ allegro wozki spacerowe

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

  • http://www.videoremaker.com/forum/members/gori5.html Beverly Numan

    I do like the manner in which you have presented this particular situation plus it really does present me personally a lot of fodder for consideration. On the other hand, coming from everything that I have witnessed, I only wish as the actual commentary pile on that individuals keep on point and in no way get started upon a tirade of the news du jour. All the same, thank you for this fantastic piece and while I can not necessarily go along with it in totality, I respect your viewpoint.

  • http://alegroalegro.pl/alegro allegro moto pl

    I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  • http://allegrofarms.com AaronBonzo

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part :) I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  • http://fetusat12weeks.com/things-you-should-know-about-a-fetus-at-12-weeks/ Fetus at 12 weeks

    I ntended to put you that little word just to say thanks a lot yet again over the great suggestions you’ve shared on this page. It was simply remarkably open-handed of people like you to deliver freely just what a few people could possibly have made available as an electronic book to get some money for themselves, especially since you could have done it if you wanted. Those good ideas as well worked to provide a good way to realize that other individuals have the identical zeal the same as mine to learn a lot more around this matter. I am certain there are several more enjoyable moments ahead for those who check out your site.

  • http://www.bagoesteak.com Teak Manufacturer

    Full Count » Wednesday’s Red Sox-Rangers matchups: Josh Beckett vs. Matt Harrison A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If doable, as you develop into experience, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra details? It’s highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post! Regards, Teak Manufacturer

  • http://pacquiaoversusmarquez3live.blogspot.com pacquiao vs marquez

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So good to seek out someone with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s wanted on the net, somebody with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!

  • http://weathervane4u.posterous.com/let-the-weathervane-soar weathervane

    With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  • http://www.sportstvlivestreaming.com/pacquiao-vs-marquez-live-streaming/ pacquiao vs marquez live streaming

    An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing slightly evaluation on this. And he actually purchased me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you turn into expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It’s highly useful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog submit!

  • http://www.campaignforrealbooks.org/forum/profile.php?section=signature&id=119707 Clare Pannone

    Hi this can be a good write-up. Can Make the most of a portion than it in my web page ? I would probably obviously link here we are at your own page so individuals may possibly view your complete post when they wanted to. Appreciate it in either case.

  • http://www.esalemax.com Cheap/Discounts Jordan shoes,Nike air max,Moncler Jackets,UGG Boots,LV,Coach handbags,Armani,Gucci,ED Hardy,POLO clothing,Jerseys,Belts,sunglasses,caps

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful information specially the last part I care for such info much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. I will keep the attention of your blog. Thank you and have a great day.

  • http://nyro.org.uk/forums/member/87794 Graig Zone

    Jennifer Lopez’s indecisiveness in regards to moving back to American Idol may very well cost her a position on the show’s judging panel. Lopez has not really yet made a conclusive call around whether she may be moving back to the tv program for season 11

  • http://www.getjealous.com/blog.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=2325072&go=danialknowle1024 Bertha Olstad

    Just trigger it?¯s siplme doesn?¯t mean it?¯s not super valuable.

  • http://www.hawaiiscubadivers.com/scubadiving/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=800827 Jami Durupan

    Katy Perry is about to set a new record previously held by Michael Jackson. If she manages to secure number one spot in the US singles chart she will become the first artist to have five number one singles from one album. Katy Perry is probably about to set an important new record until now possessed by Michael Jackson.He So long as she manages to attain number one spot in the U . s . singles chart she will definately turn into the first performer to feature 5 number one singles coming from one album.

Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays - Fenway Park, Boston, MA
[find tickets]
Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays - Fenway Park, Boston, MA
[find tickets]
Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays - Fenway Park, Boston, MA
[find tickets]

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify