I realize the home team has won 12 straight in this series. That fact is noted. However, at this price, it's tough to pass up Boston with "Dice" on the bump.

Without question, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been at his best on the road and at night this season. On foreign soil, Matsuzaka owns a spotless 4-0 record and carries an awesome 2.20 ERA. In 32.2 innings of work on the road, "Dice" has been touched for only eight earned runs and 18 hits. Even more impressive, with the stars out, No. 18 carries a sweet 6-0 mark along with a tremendous 2.70 ERA! In 50.0 frames under the lights, Daisuke has been nicked for only 15 earned runs and 30 hits.

Knocking off Tampa Bay ace Scott Kazmir won't be an easy task at home. However, the southpaw from Houston, Texas has been throwing a lot of pitches lately and he's not been that sharp. For example, in his last four trips to the hill, Kazmir has tossed 22 frames and 436 pitches. That breaks down to an average of 5.5 innings and 109 pitches per game. Surprisingly, Scott has issued 11 free passes in those four starts too.

On a technical note, the Red Sox have nailed 22 of their last 28 facing left-handers and posted wins in 17 of Matsuzaka's last 22 starts. This live dog has an excellent chance of bringing home the bacon. Take Boston with listed pitcher Matsuzaka. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.

Off a rare road win at Cincy last night, I'll have no trouble fading this poor-traveling Pittsburgh team here.

In case you haven't noticed, the Pirates have struggled something fierce on foreign soil posting a dismal 14-25 record. That's only part of the bad news. Pitt has dropped 40 of its last 57 as a guest and 36 of its last 52 priced as a road pup.

The Pirates cause won't get any support with right-hander John Van Benschoten on the mound either. Dating back to last season, Van Benschoten has appeared in 16 games for Pittsburgh (10 starts) and been lit up like a Christmas tree. In 47.2 innings of work, Big John has been blasted for 52 earned runs and 68 hits and produced a dismal strikeout-to-walk ratio of 35-to-35!

Cincinnati will counter with rookie Daryl Thompson. This will only be Thompson's third career start but he's thrown the ball well in his first two trips to the mound. At Cleveland and New York, two tough venues, Daryl was nicked for only four earned runs in 10 frames. That equates to a decent 3.60 ERA. This will be Thompson's first home start and he'll be pumped for this occasion.

With Van Benschoten on the bump, Pittsburgh has dropped 10 of its last 11 and this will be another rough outing for the righty out of Kent State. Take Cincinnati with Thompson. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.