Beckett Improves To 5-0.

(Beckett is Pitching Like a Stud.)(Don't Throw Fastballs To Wily Mo Pena)(Papelbon Gets His 7th Save.)

On the back of another stellar performance by pitcher Josh Beckett, and some late heroics by reserve outfielder Wily Mo Pena (side note: who ever throws Pena a fastball? Ever? Are you daft??), the Red Sox came from behind to sweep the short, two game series against the Orioles in Baltimore last night, Winning 5-2. Beckett put up stellar numbers yet again:

8IP 8H 2ER oBB 3K

Also, he pitched efficiently (100 pitches, 73 strikes, no walks), something he had trouble with last year. He finally seems to be learning to pitch and not just throw through batters. His fifth win in April is the best start he has ever had. Wily Mo Pena crushed a Chris Ray fastball in the eighth 430+ feet for a grand slam, and all the offense the Red Sox would need. Jonathan Papelbon relieved Beckett, (now 5-0 with a 2.48 ERA on the young season), to slam the door in the ninth for his seventh save. He has yet to give up a run so far this season. What a great way to build momentum going into Yankee Stadium this weekend, against the Yankees, who have not won since last Thursday.

Fridays game features Daisuke Matsuzaka facing off against Andy Pettite.


Go Sox!

TomC