The Red Sox had a tough time scoring runs on Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff until the 8th inning. Wily Mo Peña hit a grand slam off of O’s closer Chris Ray to give the Sox the lead for good at 5-2 giving Josh Beckett his 5th win of the season.
Beckett was solid Thursday night, scattering 8 hits over 8 innings of work. He didn’t walk anyone and he struck out 3 O’s. Jonathan Papelbon came in to finish the Orioles off on 13 pitches for his seventh save of the season. In his short career as a closer, he is now 17 for 17 in save chances during April.
O’s starter Adam Loewen only allowed 2 hits in his 6 innings of work. He did struggle with his command though walking five Sox players while striking out 5 as well. Danys Baez and John Parrish pitched very well too but when it became Ray’s turn, it got ugly. He came in with one out in the inning and Manny on first. He allowed a ground rule double to Mike Lowell and then intentionally walked Jason Varitek. Then came the big blow by Wily Mo.
Coincidentally, the double by Lowell extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Beckett’s 5th win to start the season makes him only the third Sox pitcher to win their first five starts. The other two are Babe Ruth and Pedro Martinez.
[coolplayer width=”340″ height=”240″ autoplay=”0″ loop=”0″ charset=”GBK” download=”1″ mediatype=””]
Red Sox win 5-2
[/coolplayer]
