Sox will be Jimenez's biggest test - and vice versa.
A lot has been made of the pitcher that will take the mound against the Sox tonight, Ubaldo Jimenez.
And rightly so.
Jimenez has come a long way since the '07 World Series - the last time Boston faced the ace. In 14 starts this year, he holds a 13-1 record with a staggering ERA of 1.15. His lone loss came on the road against the Dodgers, in which he only gave up 2 hits and 1 run over 7 innings.
While Jimenez is yet to face an offensive juggernaut like the Sox (who lead the Majors in nearly every offensive cateogry), he hasn't exactly been facing easy teams. On his route to 13 victories he's faced four teams that crack the top 10 in overall batting averages (albeit the latter half) - the Dodgers, Twins, Braves and Giants.
In all four of those games, Jimenez has allowed a mere 14 hits and 2 runs. Against the Braves and Giants, he pitched complete games - including a no-hitter against Atlanta.
Jimenez is undefeated at Coors Field - winning all five decisions. While the Rockies' ace will be one of the toughest pitchers the Sox will have faced to date, Boston will also be the most prolific hitting unit Jimenez will see. All this adds up to a compelling match-up.
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