In a match-up of two of the best right-handed pitchers in the game, Mike Mussina and Pedro Martinez renew acquaintances tonight when the New York Yankees battle the Boston Red Sox for the 11th time this season. Last Thursday, Mussina (5-4, 3.44 ERA) struck out a season-high 12 batters over eight innings to out-duel three-time Cy Young Award winner Martinez (6-1, 1.60) as the Yankees edged their archrivals, 2-1. Martinez already can be considered the favorite for the 2001 American League Cy Young award. He leads starters in ERA and strikeouts, while giving up just two home runs in 10 starts.
The two pitchers also are expected to meet on June 4 in a makeup of a game postponed because of rain on May 22. Red Sox designated hitter Manny Ramirez tops the American League batting leaders with a .383 average. He also has collected 15 home runs and 56 RBI.