Game 23: Boston Red Sox (14-7) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (8-14)

 

Rays need Garza tonight to slow down the Sox. (AP)

Before I start this pre-game, I would like to mention that you can now read all of our Trop Talk posts over at The Bleacher Report under the Rays section.

It is a great site for all sports readers.

Now, back to your regularly schedule reading. Tonight starts a series that all Rays fans are excited for. Josh Beckett and Matt Garza will take the hill for their respective teams.

Fans going to the game, be loud and down the Sox, because the Rays need all the help they can get against Boston.

 

What To Watch For

Do we see the team that went to the World Series tonight? Or do we encounter the old Devil Rays like we did in last night's game?

Tampa needs to wake up and realize it is a Major League squad. This Boston team is on a tear right now and will pound the Rays if they don’t show up to play.

Matt Garza needs to relax on the mound. Hitting spots and staying under control will be the keys to his success. Garza pitched well in his last two starts against Boston and will need the same consistency tonight.

The homestand will be another issue in today’s game. The Rays cannot make anymore excuses about all the accolades costing them victories.

 

X-Factor

It has to be the offense today, for the sole reason that they suck as of late. The Rays need to score early and often to be successful.

No offense=no wins; no wins=very pissed-off writers.