Like the Rays in this spot they scored 9 runs and 5 in the 9th inning to get a win over the Sox yesterday. The White Sox bullpen is really struggling with a 5.79 ERA this year and that was the confidence the Rays needed. Ironically it came in their first game after the Manny distractions. I don't see the White Sox getting much of a break from their bullpen when Phillip Humber takes the mound. Humber a once touted prospect of the Mets organization is now 28 and going nowhere fast he's had a hard time and I expect him to not go very deep into this game seeing as they have him as a reliever and he's filling in for the injured Jake Peavy. Adam Dunn will also be out of the line up today which should make things easier for Wade Davis who looks to continue success vs. the White Sox as he had a 2.19 ERA in two starts vs. them a year ago. White Sox have been hot with the bats scoring 7.4 runs per game, but take Dunn out and add in the fact they are allowing 6 runs per game and I think the Rays will win this game.
Arroryo pitched well in his first start much to my displeasure. Still over the last three years he posts a 6.62 ERA. Each year he has that one solid start and on opening day that was the start I'll bank on him coming back to earth here today against a hot hitting Dbacks team that posted 25 hits in its last two games. IN 2010 Arroyo pitched a solid opening day then gave up 18 ER in his following 3 starts to the Marlins, Pirates, Padres. Reds bats have suddenly gone cold too as they have 4 runs in their last 2 games. I don't like the fact Arroyo has mono and though he's on 5 days rest he's traveling west to start a game against one of the young bright starters in the game in Daniel Hudson. Hudson was 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA in his home starts last year and even better at night with a 1.94 ERA. All signs point to him not taking a step back and he was as good as you can expect in his first start at Coors field giving up 3 ER over 6 IP. Hudson had 18K's and a 1.80 ERA in 2 games starts vs. the Reds a year ago and I think he continues that success at home today. The reds are 3-13 in their last 16 road games vs. RH starters and again the Arroyo factor.. add in he pitched 14.1 IP giving up 16 hits 2 BB and 7 ER in his last two games in Arizona.
