BECKETT OUTDUELED

The good news is that Josh Beckett threw his first Quality Start since August 12. The bad news is that Mark Beuhrle got his first win since July 23rd.

The Sox got 8 hits off Beuhrle, as well as 2 walks, but failed to get that big hit. Former Red Sox outfielder Mark Kotsay terrorized his ex-teammates, throwing out Jason Bay at home, and going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.

Beckett didn't have his A game, at least not with 2 outs in the 3rd. But he did look better than he has lately. So I'm actually somewhat pleased with what I saw today. And the offense, well, it's hard to beat Mark Beurhle.

The Rangers were rained out, and the Rays lost twice to the Yankees. The Orioles come to Boston for 2 games, which is a very nice opportunity to build on the Wild Card lead. Clay Buchholz faces David Hernandez Tuesday night.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Paul Beaty

LESTER AND LOWELL SAVE THE SERIES

Jon Lester struck out 8 over 7 scoreless innings yesterday afternoon, as the Sox claimed their first victory in Chicago. Mike Lowell's 2 run homer in the 4th was all the offense the Sox would need, even though Victor Martinez hit a 3 run shot in the 9th to seal the deal.

And apparently Lester's groin was healthy, as he was able to throw 122 pitches, matching his season high.

He hasn't lost since July 19th, and the Sox are 5-0 in his last 5 starts. It was Lester's 7th straight Quality Start.

The Rangers and Rays both lost. The Sox now have a 3 game lead over Texas, with Tampa Bay a distant 7 games behind.

A very nice pitching matchup this afternoon, as Josh Beckett faces Mark Beuhrle. However, Beckett's struggled lately. And despite pitching well, Beuhrle is 0-4 since his perfect game.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast