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Wakefield looks to continue dominance against Devil Rays

Aug 20, 2007 - 2:44 PM Boston (74-50) at Tampa Bay (47-76) 7:10 pm EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) -- After being held hitless for six innings against Tim Wakefield last Monday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will look for revenge when the Boston Red Sox come to town for a three-game series on Monday.

Carl Crawford ended Wakefield's no-hit bid with a leadoff single in the seventh inning. Despite losing the no-hitter, the knuckleballer worked through eight frames en route to a 3-0 victory and improve to 18-2 with a 2.83 ERA against the Devil Rays in his career.

Wakefield (14-10, 4.55 ERA) has especially been dominant against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. The 41-year-old has posted an 8-0 record and a 2.33 ERA, holding hitters to a .190 batting average.

The Devil Rays will counter with Scott Kazmir (9-7, 3.44). Kazmir has enjoyed success against the Red Sox in his career, registering a 5-3 record with a 2.37 ERA in 14 career starts.

Kazmir was strong against Boston in his last start on Tuesday, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing four hits and striking out eight. Kazmir did not factor in the decision, though, as Tampa Bay lost, 2-1, when the Red Sox rallied against the bullpen in the ninth inning.

Boston, which has a four-game edge over the New York Yankees in the American League East, has lost three of its last five games, including a 3-1 setback to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Sunday.