This story originally ran in The Standard-Times on Oct. 7, 2005.

By Nick Tavares
Standard-Times staff writer

In a clash of styles Boston will send Tim Wakefield to the mound today to square off against Chicago's Freddy Garcia.

Wakefield led the Red Sox' staff with 16 wins this season and was an innings eater tossing a career-high 225.1 frames. His three complete games were his most since 1997 and if the knuckleball is twirling Boston's bullpen could get some much-needed rest.

Against Chicago Wakefield was 1-1 in two starts with a 6.37 ERA. He last faced them on Aug. 13 when he gave up two runs in 7 2/3 innings for the win.

Wakefield is given the ball today with the season on the line though he doesn't seem to be too fazed by it.

"There's always pressure when you get into the post-season" Wakefield said. "You know coming into Game — down 2-nothing there's a little bit more pressure there.

"Like I said before this team's been in this situation before not only last year but 2003 against Oakland. We still have a majority of those guys still left in that clubhouse from 2003. We're playing at home where we've played the best all year. I think everybody's rearing to go."

Though he struggled in his last start of the season against the Yankees Wakefield will be pitching on his regular turn this time. He had gone on three days' rest that Saturday afternoon.

"You know (in that start) I felt fine physically. I just never really had a feel for the ball" Wakefield said. "With the normal rest or an extra day's rest I don't go into a game thinking I'm going to be different.

"I have to establish my knuckleball early and make 'em swing."

Garcia comes into the game having won 14 games with 146 strikeouts. The big right-hander can throw in the low-to-mid 90s and mixes five different pitches into his repertoire.

Garcia has not faced Boston this year but is 6-2 in 12 career starts vs. the Red Sox with a 4.50 ERA.

Garcia pitched Chicago's division clincher last week and has the chance to close out another chapter in the White Sox' march to the World Series.

"I'm really excited" Garcia said. "I'm really looking forward (to it). I want to go out there and do my best see what happens. ... It's fun."

Contact Nick Tavares at at ntavares@s-t.com

This story appeared on Page C1 of The Standard-Times on October 7 2005.