Beckett Dazzles as Red Sox Return to Winning Ways

Sports Illustrated

Red Sox 3 Rays 0
Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (6-2)
Losing Pitcher: Jeremy Hellickson (7-5)


Recap
In Boston, the masses were watching the Bruins hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years, and many missed Josh Beckett pull out an absolutely amazing start against the Rays, just a day after the Sox offense was shut down by James Shields. Tampa Bay got a great start themselves out of Jeremy Hellickson, but it wasn't enough as Beckett was nearly perfect. Headed into the bottom of the third, both teams were awaiting their first base runner. With two outs, Reid Brignac hit a dribbler to third, and was able to reach on an infield single. He later advanced to the second on an error on a pickoff attempt, but was stranded there. As it turned out, that little dribbler was all that stood in the way of a perfect game for Beckett. The Red Sox finally got to Hellickson in the seventh, when Dustin Pedroia rocked a triple to right. Adrian Gonzalez was then intentionally walked, and Kevin Youkilis made them pay by hitting a a three run shot to left, giving the Red Sox all of the offense they'd need. Beckett would cruise through the rest of the game, and the Red Sox won just one day after having their nine game winning streak snapped. Beckett ended with a complete game shutout, allowing just the one hit on no walks and six Ks. 

Home Runs
Boston: Kevin Youkilis (10)
Tampa Bay: None

The Red Sox and Rays finish their three game stint in Tampa tomorrow night at 7:10 PM ET. Boston will send Clay Buchholz (5-3 3.59) to the hill against David Price (7-5 3.51).