Sep 16 2008
Tampa Bay Ace Kazmir Roughed Up - Boston Moves into a Tie for AL East Lead
David Ortiz celebrated Boston’s first win in Tampa Bay while Scott Kazmir felt the loneliness of a pitcher shelled. Photos: AP
Scott Kazmir had a dominating month of August and September was shaping up to be more of the same for the blossoming Tampa Bay ace. That was before the Rays lost two out of three to the Yankees and saw their division lead shrink to just one game. Kazmir’s series opening start then became a critical one as the Red Sox looked to move into a virtual tie with the Rays. Kazmir, who’s only struggles this season have been against Boston and his own pitch counts, gave up 9 runs moving his season total against the Red Sox to 17 runs in three starts.
Besides the obvious standings impact, this loss only compounds the mental edge that Boston seems to have over Kazmir, who will be relied upon come October. The Rays still have two games with Boston to retake sole possession of first place, but Kazmir’s struggles have to be a concern. If the teams were to meet in the playoffs, Kazmir would likely start twice. Josh Beckett starts today against Andy Sonnanstine in a rematch of last weeks extra innings duel. Boston hasn’t led the American League East since the All Star break and can secure at least a share of the lead with a win.
