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Bruins Take 2-1 Series Lead as Rask Silences Blackhawks

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Home Runs Power Sox over Mariners

With David Ortiz sitting out for the second straight game while he “rests,” the Red Sox needed some pop from other parts of the lineup (though Ortiz has provided none so far, anyway). They found it in a likely source: Jason Bay, who finished 1-4 with a two-run HR in the second inning.

In the second inning, Jason Varitek got in on the action, swatting his fifth home run in the second inning to give the Sox a 4-0 lead. Jeff Bailey of all people capped the scoring for the Sox, hitting a solo shot in the fifth inning. The Sox touched Seattle’s Garret Olson, who was making his first start of the season, for five runs on three home runs in six innings.

Josh Beckett, meanwhile, was effective for the Sox, holding the M’s to three runs (two earned) on four hits in seven strong innings. He struck out five to improve to 4-2 in the 5-3 Sox win.

Sox Stud of the Game

Jason Bay, LF: Who but Jason Bay? Bay started the scoring with his 11th HR of the season. He knocked in two runs, and already has 40 RBI this season (2nd in baseball to Evan Longoria).

Sox Dud of the Game

Dustin Pedroia, 2B: It’s hard to pick on anyone in particular. Three hitters finished 0-3 (Pedroia included) but each finished with a walk. But, Pedroia takes the cake, as he grounded into a double play. Yes, Bay grounded into two of them, but he also homered, so it’s all good.

Game Notes

W: Josh Beckett (4-2)
L: Garret Olson (0-1)
S: Jonathan Papelbon (10)

• Ken Griffey, Jr. started for the M’s, finishing 0-3 to drop his average to .205. My, have the mighty fallen.
• Yuniesky Betancourt launched his second HR of the season in the second inning, but it was obviously not enough.
• No hitters for the Sox finished with more than one hit, yet all starters reached base by a hit or walk.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Jason Bay, Jason Varitek, Jeff Bailey, Josh Beckett, Red Sox, Seattle Mariners