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Beckett Throws Gem Against Braves Again

Josh Beckett has regained his dominant 2007 form, and he can thank the Atlanta Braves. While he has been very strong lately, Beckett came off a rocky performance against the Phillies (6 IP, 6 ER) on June 14. In his next start at Fenway Park against the Braves, Beckett tossed his first complete game shutout as a member of the Red Sox. Then came Friday night’s start against the Braves again, and Beckett spun another gem despite being sick: seven innings, zero earned runs on just six hits to earn the victory in the 4-1 win.

Playing first base in the National League stadium, David Ortiz proved he should remain in the lineup despite his defensive deficiencies at first. Ortiz launched his eighth homer of the season in the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie. Big Papi has now hit seven of his HRs in June after a rough April (.230, o HR) and horrible May (.143, 1 HR).

Sox Stud of the Game

Dustin Pedroia, 2B: Pedroia finished 2-4 with a double, and RBI, and two runs scored batting out of the leadoff spot. Pedroia has been catching fire of late, but in the month of June he’s only hit .220.

Sox Dud of the Game

Jason Bay, LF: Bay had a very uneventful afternoon, going 0-4 with two men left on base. He has four homers and 20 RBI in June, but is hitting just .256 for the month.

That’s What He Said

“It wasn’t an ideal situation for me,” Beckett said of his illness. “But I made the pitches when I needed to and we played good defense.”

Game Notes

W: Josh Beckett (9-3)
L: Jair Jurrjens (5-6)

• In his career against the Braves, Beckett is 6-0 with a 0.38 ERA in seven starts, including 16 scoreless innings over his last two starts.
• Jurrjens had a nice outing against the Sox, but took the loss in going eight innings with four runs (three earned) on seven hits.
• Jonathan Papelbon allowed a solo HR to David Ross in the ninth inning for Atlanta’s only run.
• Casey Kotchman was the only Brave with multiple hits, finishing 3-4.

About KC Downey

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

Tags: Atlanta Braves, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jason Bay, Josh Beckett, Red Sox