Kazmir will get start in Game 5

Posted Oct 15, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Oct 15, 2008 at 10:38 AM

BOSTON—Scott Kazmir will start Game 5 for the Rays, who are hoping to capitalize on his past success at Fenway Park.

Originally scheduled starter James Shields will be pushed back to pitch Game 6 at home, if necessary, Joe Maddon said today.

“Being in the position we’re in, we like the idea of pitching [Kazmir] again with a day off to follow,” Maddon said. “We also like the idea, if we had to get down to it, that Shields pitches at home, and the fact that Kaz has had some success here.”

Maddon acknowledged the Rays would have started Shields in Game 5 had they lost last night. That would seem to indicate the Rays consider Shields their go-to guy in more of a must-win situation, so why not use him in Game 5 anyway and try to close it out immediately?

“If it weren’t to work out tomorrow, then we’re going to go home to play two consecutive games, and if somebody didn’t throw well in the first game and you had to utilize your bullpen a lot, then obviously you’re at a disadvantage,” said Maddon. “It’s our best call at this point.”

Kazmir is 4-4 with a 3.02 ERA in his career at Fenway Park, while Shields is 0-3 with a 10.12 ERA there.