The White Sox scored early on Beckett and that was the difference in the ball game. Chicago scored three runs against him in the first, the only runs he would allow in the 6.2 innings that he pitched. Unfortunately for the second straight day the Sox offense was slowed down by the White Sox pitching. After four innings it was looking a lot like the Sox might get perfect gamed, but a walk to Cody Ross with two outs in the fifth ended that. The no hitter lasted until the seventh when Dustin Pedroia grabbed the first hit of the game for the Red Sox, eventually coming across to score their only run of the ball game.
The bullpen for Boston allowed just the second run in their last twenty innings pitched, no surprise the Sox went 6-1 during that stretch. I don’t think any Sox fan will overlook the importance of a strong bullpen after this season. It may very well be what makes or breaks the Sox all season long and determines if they have a chance at the World Series.
Once again it was Kelly Shoppach doing the catching behind the plate for Josh Beckett. When asked about it after the game he denied him being Beckett’s personal catcher, but I think everyone knows that without him admitting it, he is. Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch before the game due to back stiffness, but it sounds like it isn’t something to be too worried about. The Sox haven’t had any days off in the past twenty days except the rain out before they hit the road. Youkilis had some injuries last season and I’m sure it was just to be very cautious and Valentine wanted to get Nick Punto into the lineup anyways. Everyone thought it would be a pluton between him and Aviles at shortstop, but with Mike playing so well that just hasn’t been the case. Punto is going to have a tough time finding playing time with Youkilis, Aviles and Pedroia in front of him and Iglesias waiting in the weeds behind him.
The Sox get to head home after there nice winning streak for hopefully a little home cooking. Once again their schedule is favorable as well as the pitching match-ups. They have three games at home against Oakland before an off day on Thursday and then the surprising Orioles come to town for a weekend series before the Sox out to Kansas City for a very quick three game set with the Royals. Then they will head right back to Boston for a four game series with Cleveland followed by a short two game stint with the Mariners. With the way the Sox have been hitting the ball and with the pitching finally coming around the Sox have the potential to take the lead in the division. Yes I said it, take control of the AL East.
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