A collective sigh of relief could be heard in New England last night as Josh Beckett got his 20th win of the season. Another cheer was heard later on when the Yankees lost to Toronto 5-4, allowing the Red Sox to up the lead in the AL East to 2 1/2 games. A playoff spot is all but assured as the magic number to reach the playoffs is 2. So all it takes now is a Red Sox win and a Tigers loss or any combination of that for the Sox to make the playoffs. Beckett was great after the first inning last night and the bullpen stepped it up. The combination of Beckett and three relievers retired the last 18 Devil Rays faced. Mike Lowell added his 20th home run as well. It’s almost ironic that Lowell got his 20th homer on the same night his friend and teammate got his 20th win. Daisuke Matsuzaka takes the hill for the Red Sox tonight looking to build momentum for himself as the Sox prepare for the playoffs. But before he does, let’s take a look at the headlines and happenings from last night’s game from the Boston and Tampa area media.
20 is something [Boston Globe]
Rays Can’t Solve Beckett [Tampa Tribune]
Something to celebrate [Boston Herald]
Rays offer little resistance [St. Petersburg Times]
Magic Number [Hartford Courant]
Beckett rights the ship with his 20th win [Pro Jo]
Crawford’s Strained Groin Is Improving [Tampa Tribune]
Youkilis news is positive [Boston Globe]
Crawford mulls pinch-hitting duty [St. Petersburg Times]
20 wins do rate great [Boston Herald]
It’s A Celebration Debate [Hartford Courant]
Hurler’s home is put on market [Pro Jo]
See ya, Devil; welcome, sunburst [St. Petersburg Times]
Lowell likes look of 20, too [Boston Herald]
A healing process [Boston Globe]
For more headlines and stories, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Hartford Courant, Providence Journal, St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Tribune websites.
