Sox and Yanks Game 2 Preview

Last night the Boston Red Sox stole the show from the New York Yankees. Now the Yanks face extreme pressure on winning the next two games to maintain pace in the AL wild card race. They are currently 6 games back of Boston for the AL wild card. If the Yankees don't win tonight there chances of making the postseason become even slimmer. The Yankees have been in this type of situation before.

Last year the Yankees were lifted by Robinson Cano, who played big down the stretch for the Yankees last year. Last year the Yankees were 8 games below .500, but finished the rest of the season with a 70-38 mark. On the hill for New York is Sidney Ponson. Ponson is coming off of one of his worst outings of the year. He went two inning's and allowed seven runs on eight hits. Last time the Yanks and Sox met Ponson pitched the final game of the series in Boston. It was also a game that he pitched very poorly in. Ponson allowed seven runs against Boston in that game.

The Red Sox picked up a huge win yesterday and hope to repeat it again tonight. Paul Byrd will toe the ribber for the BoSox. Byrd has pitched in big games at the Stadium before. Last year he pitched and won the clinching game for the ALDS at Yankee Stadium. Last time out Byrd didn't have his best stuff, but was still able to pick up the "w" against Toronto. Byrd has yet to throw his best stuff since wearing a Sox jersey, but tonight could be different. This is the second night in a row that a new Red Sox will be experiencing the rivalry. Jason Bay responded well last night. Now it is Paul Byrd's turn. 

Things To Watch

Kevin Youkilis has reached base safely in the past 35 games. 

Jason Bay had his 9th multi-hit game with Boston in 22 games.

Look for newly aquired centerfielder Mark Kotsay to be present in the dugout tonight.

Dustin Pedroia is a perfect 5 for 5 against Ponson in his career.

Bobby Abreu has reached base safely the last 19 home games.

Sidney Ponson allowed seven runs against the Sox last time he faced them at Fenway.

Sidney Ponson is 3-0 at home this season.

Jason Giambi is hitting .550 with 3 homeruns in his career vs. Byrd.

Prediction

History will repeat itself: Ponson will struggle tonight against the BoSox. Byrd will be even better than he was a year ago at the stadium. This will be a blowout: 10-2.