The Sox ace has struggled in his last three outings, showing a record of 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA, allowing 10 HRs. However the Sox have still one twice during those three starts.

In his last appearance, August 28th against Toronto at Fenway, Beckett was not embroiled in the outcome as he allowed 5 runs on five hits and five walks, with 9 strikeouts thrown in 5 innings.

All 5 runs came on homers. Beckett, who surrendered merely 18 home runs in 2008, gave up 12 in The month of August.

Beckett most recently opposed the Rays May 10 in Boston, giving up three runs with six hits and 3 walked batters with five strikeouts thrown in six innings, although did not get hold of a decision in the Sox’ 4-3 win.

In his last appearance at Tropicana Field, April 30, he let up 7 runs in 4.2 innings. In 5 career starts at the Trop, Beckett has a record of 1-3 and a 3.58 earned run average.

Garza is struggling through a 6-game run without a win, and hasn’t won at Tampa Bay in his prior five appearances. His most recent victory was over a month ago in Toronto, besting Roy Halladay. He has just one victory in his last 10 games.

He is best in the AL with a .233 opponents’ average, although has had the least run support in the American League at 3.73 runs per 9 IP. The Rays have scored a total of 18 runs during his 9 losses.

He has allowed 3 earned runs or less in 19 out of 2 starts this year, including 17 of his last 22.

This is his 11th ever appearance against the Sox and 5th this year. He has a career win-loss count of 5-1 and a 2.93 earned run average, (20 earned runs 61.1 IP.

This year he is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA vs the Red Sox. His most recent game versus the Red Sox was August 4th in Tampa Bay. He didn’t attain a decision, as the Rays won, 4-2 in extra innings.

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