NewsFenway does not faze Nolasco
Florida (32-35) at Boston (40-25), 7:10 p.m. ET
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
06/18/09 1:28 AM ET
BOSTON -- Ricky Nolasco is about business, not nostalgia. The 26-year-old Marlins right-hander respects the history of established ballparks like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. He just doesn't get caught up in it. |
So when Nolasco takes the mound on Thursday night in the series finale with the Red Sox, he won't be thinking about all the legends who played on the field before him. He will be focused solely on facing the powerful Boston lineup.
"I think it's kind of cool," Nolasco said of pitching in Fenway. "I don't think about that stuff. That's stuff that's not really part of my time. Don't get me wrong, I think it's cool. But it's not something that I think about very much. I'm here to pitch." After losing the first two in the series, the Marlins are hoping Nolasco can do his part in helping them avoid being swept. Florida's Interleague road trip opened so promising with a sweep over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. In that series, the Marlins hammered out 24 runs. In Boston, however, their bats have been quieted. Florida has been outscored 13-3 in the two games. Growing up in Rialto, Calif., Nolasco wasn't raised on baseball tradition. Any discretionary dollars the family had didn't go towards memorabilia. He didn't have pictures of baseball players on his walls, nor did he collect baseball cards. "I didn't really collect anything," he said. "About the only stadium I knew much about growing up was Dodger Stadium." Not being a rabid baseball fans as a youngster sometimes has its benefits. For one thing, Nolasco isn't in awe of places with great tradition. Again, he respects the old ballparks. But by not idolizing the legends, he doesn't get wrapped up in the mystique. What Nolasco is more concerned about heading into Thursday is the Red Sox lineup and dealing with the dimensions of Fenway Park. In terms of how the park plays, Nolasco feels it is a little bit like hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. "I know it's kind of small in the corners, but you don't try to think of those things," he said. "It's kind of like in Philly. You have to be more careful, and you're already on your 'A' game, knowing the possibility. You just have to stay with your game plan." Asked if he takes a Philadelphia-like approach, Nolasco added: "I think you do. The stadium is nice. The field conditions seem really nice. I'll see how the mound is on Thursday." Pitching matchupFLA: RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-6, 7.62 ERA)
In his last outing, Ricky Nolasco wasn't involved in the decision. But he certainly pitched well enough to win. Facing the Blue Jays in Toronto, the 26-year-old right-hander was sharp. In six innings, he gave up two runs on five hits. He walked one, but struck out nine, his most since fanning 10 Mets on Sept. 27, 2008. It was Nolasco's second start since being brought back from Triple-A, where he was sent to regain his form. Nolasco threw 110 pitches, his second most on the season. On May 3 against the Cubs, he threw 112. Nolasco has never faced the Red Sox. His last win was on May 8 at Colorado. BOS: LHP Jon Lester (5-5, 4.76 ERA)
Although Lester came away with a no-decision in his previous start, it was one of the best performances of the left-hander's career. Over seven innings against the defending World Series champion Phillies, Lester gave up two hits and struck out 11 over seven innings. He became the first lefty in Red Sox history to strike out 10 or more in three consecutive starts. Lester has 96 strikeouts in 81 1/3 innings. This will be his seventh start of the season at Fenway, where Lester is 3-2 with a 4.06 ERA. Tidbits
Renyel Pinto threw a five-pitch inning on Wednesday for Triple-A New Orleans. The left-hander, on the disabled list since May 25 with left elbow inflammation, has passed another test -- throwing on back-to-back days. There is a good chance Pinto will be reinstated off the DL on Friday against the Yankees. ... Right-hander Anibal Sanchez, on the DL with a right shoulder sprain, has not been throwing. ... The Marlins are 5-8 all-time at Fenway Park. They are 3-6 at home. ... Hanley Ramirez, who was 0-for-3 with two walks on Wednesday, has not homered since May 22 against Tampa Bay. Ramirez has gone 88 at-bats without going deep. ... All-time, the Marlins are 114-95 in Interleague Play, including 4-4 this year. ... Reliever Kiko Calero entered Wednesday having allowed 14 walks in 30 2/3 innings. The right-hander walked three in the eighth. Tickets
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• Friday: Marlins (Sean West, 2-1, 3.00) vs. Yankees (Andy Pettitte, 6-3, 4.52), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Marlins (Josh Johnson, 6-1, 2.76) vs. Yankees (A.J. Burnett, 5-3, 4.46), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Marlins (Chris Volstad, 4-7, 4.75) vs. Yankees (CC Sabathia, 6-4, 3.67), 5:05 p.m. ET
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
