Jon Lester Served First Loss in 6-4 Defeat to Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

Avery Bradley’s Role With the Celtics: Present and Future

Connelly’s Top Ten: Bruins Up 2-0

2013 NBA Playoffs Expert Picks: Third Round

Beckett Amazes and Loses, Shields the Better

Josh Beckett versus James Shields was the definition of pitcher’s duel: only one run on either side was needed. Josh Beckett, as good as he was, gave up the runs. James Shields made the Red Sox lineup look inept during a 3-0 Tampa Bay win. The Red Sox can easily fall into a hitting funk. It seems they only score big against scrubs. When given a challenge, they bow.

Players of the Game:

• Josh Beckett threw a gem. Seven innings, 13 K’s and two runs. Last year, this line meant a win. Flash back to last year: Josh Beckett began the season 9-0 with a W in his first seven decisions. Beckett is now 2-2 and it’s looking like this year will be a battle for him.

Diamond Duds:

• Everyone who batted. Simple. When you bat .071 in any capacity, your AAA team could have done as well, especially in the Sox minor league system. I find any chance to give props to the Pawtucket boys.

Sox Killers

• Some guys develop a history of beating up on a team. James Shields had been average against the Red Sox but he’s still young. Today, he was like a hot knife through red butter. Shields has great stuff and today he located it and kept the hitters off balance. No one looked too comfortable. What’s worse is that against the patient Red Sox, he only threw 98 pitches in nine innings. He could have went ten strong innings.

Other Notes:

• Mike Lowell could rejoin the Red Sox on Tuesday from his sprained left thumb.
• David Ortiz missed his second straight game.

Tags: David Ortiz, James Shields, Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell