Matchup: Matt Harrison vs. Josh Beckett

August, 8, 2012
8/08/12
9:30
AM CT
The final game of this three-game series between the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park features left-handed starter Matt Harrison (13-6, 3.17 ERA) and right-handed hurler Josh Beckett (5-9, 4.54 ERA). The game starts at 12:35 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW, and we will be chatting live from Buffalo Wild Wings in Addison. You're welcome to stop by and say hello.

Harrison (13-6, 3.17 ERA): The 26-year-old lefty is making his 22nd start of the season and he does so after compiling a consistent run of starts. ... Harrison is 9-3 with a 2.11 ERA in his last 13 starts, dropping his ERA from a season-high 5.21 to 3.17, eighth-lowest in the AL. ... He gave up two runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings with three walks and three strikeouts in a 5-3 win over the Royals on Friday. ... He leads the majors in road wins with a 9-3 mark and is 24-12 in his career on the road, the second-highest road winning percentage in the majors (.667) since the start of the 2008 season. ... All three of Harrison's complete games have come on the road. ... He was AL pitcher of the month in June, going 5-0 with a 1.29 ERA in six starts. ... Harrison is 3-1 with a 6.10 ERA in seven games (five starts) in his career vs. Boston, the third-highest ERA against any opponent.

Beckett (5-9, 4.54 ERA): Was pushed back from his last start after experiencing back spasms but is ready to go. ... He has one quality start in his last five outings and was 1-2 with a 6.08 ERA in July. ... Beckett has just one win in his last 10 starts, dating to late May. ... He has made two starts against Texas in 2012 and lost them both, allowing seven runs in 14 innings on 16 hits. ... He is 3-4 with a 4.91 ERA in 10 career starts vs. the Rangers.

Hitters: Current Boston hitters are 21-for-91 (.231) against Harrison. ... Mike Aviles (1-for-13), Adrian Gonzalez (1-for-8) and Dustin Pedroia (3-for-13) have struggled against Harrison. ... Carl Crawford is 4-for-11 with four RBIs. ... Texas batters are hitting .262 off Beckett with Josh Hamilton (8-for-20, 2 HR, 7 RBIs) and David Murphy (5-for-12). ... Michael Young is batting .214 (6-for-28) in his career against Beckett.
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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