The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

NYY: RHP Mike Mussina (1-2, 4.15 ERA)
Mussina's previous outing against the Red Sox will be remembered almost exclusively for his decision in the sixth inning, when he opted to pitch to Manny Ramirez instead of Kevin Youkilis with first base open. Mussina allowed a two-run double up the gap that helped the Red Sox post a 4-3 victory over the Yankees. Still, he has been consistent this season, lasting five innings or more in seven consecutive starts dating back to Sept. 12. Over that stretch, he is 4-2 with a 3.64 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs in 42 innings.

BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (1-1, 6.35 ERA)
Beckett proved last weekend that his back woes are finally over. In a 4-3 victory over the Yankees at Fenway Park on Saturday, Beckett gave up five hits and three runs over 6 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out five. In his career at Yankee Stadium, Beckett is 2-2 with a 6.86 ERA. However, those numbers don't include the gem that he pitched against New York in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series, when Beckett was a member of the Marlins. In his first two starts, Beckett has limited opponents to a .200 average.