It appears that the weather is not going to deny us the duel between Josh Beckett and Justin Verlander tonight. Josh Beckett, who suddenly found the fountain of youth duels with Justin Verlander, he of the recent no hitter. Last Saturday night, Beckett beat Yankees ace, C.C. Sabathia with a 6-0 performance. Putting my Yankee prejudice aside, Verlander is a much tougher opponent.
Verlander can still pump in 98-100 mph fastballs in the ninth inning. Verlander has only allowed 3 hits to the last 68 batters he has faced. Beckett has been even better, by not allowing a run in his last four starts. He has gone 18 1/3 innings without allowing a run. If Beckett retires the first Tiger batter he faces tonight, then he will set a new personal record. Back in 2004, he matched this current streak of 18 1/3 scoreless innings. Beckett’s 1.75 ERA is the lowest in the American League.
If you asked Terry Francona at the start of this season which pitcher would he want to have on the mound to face against Verlander, without hesitation he would have said Jon Lester. You really can’t go wrong with either man, Lester or Beckett. I personally prefer to see Beckett tonight. Beckett also has the advantage with his loyal and trustworthy sidekick, Jason Varitek behind the plate.
Justin Verlander was my personal prediction to win the Cy Young this year. But, if the season ended today, Josh Beckett would walk away with the prestigious award. Tonight isn’t about awards, tonight is “Mano a Mano.” A good old fashion showdown between two of the best gunslingers in the game.
1-2-3 Draw!!!!!
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