Aces are wild in Game 1 of World Series

Oct. 24, 2007 By Rob Gerein

The Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox square off in the first game of the 2007 World Series Wednesday night, and each team will be counting on its ace to take an early lead in the best-of-seven series.

Bet the World Series at Sportsbook.com, which has Boston as a 210-moneyline favorite.

The Rockies reached the World Series for the first time in franchise history with a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and a sweep of the NLCS, while the Red Sox thumped the Cleveland Indians 11-2 in Game 7 of ALCS.

The Rockies will start lefthanded ace Jeff Francis (ERA: 4.11 ERA, W/L: 19-9). The Red Sox will counter with their ace, righthander Josh Beckett (ERA: 3.06 ERA, W/L: 23-7).

Francis, who’s one win away from a combined 20 for the regular season and postseason, was solid in his two postseason starts, setting up series sweeps by shutting down two powerful lineups, the Phillies and the Diamondbacks, both on the road.

The Canadian pitcher has 12 strikeouts in 12 2/3 postseason innings, and has managed to overcome 11 hits and three walks. Against the Diamondbacks, after giving up a first-inning run, Francis retired 12 of the next 14 batters he faced.

Beckett has dominated in his postseason appearances, winning all three of his starts in convincing fashion. Most recently, the right-hander staved off elimination in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, holding the Indians to five hits and a run while striking out 11. He also won Game 1, giving up four hits and two runs over six innings.

But Beckett's best performance this postseason was his four-hit shutout against the Angels in Game 1 of the AL Division Series. Beckett’s lifetime post season record is 5-2 with a 1.78 ERA. Beckett last faced the Rockies on June 14 in Interleague Play, giving up 10 hits and six runs over five innings in a loss.

Colorado is 5-0 SU in its past five games, and 5-0 SU in its past five games on the road. The Rockies are 4-2 SU in their past six games against Boston. Boston is 5-1 SU in its past six home games. The total has gone under in four of Colorado's past five games. The total has gone under in four of Boston's past six games against Colorado.

Bet the over/under tonight at betED, which has the total at 8½.

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