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Beckett Strong as Sox Keep O’s Scoreless

Boston bats got going as the Red Sox took the second game in the series against Baltimore.

The Sox totaled 13 hits in the 4-0 win against the Orioles. Pitching and hitting was the difference, as the team was red hot at both ends, while the O’s struggled to produce.

The Red Sox wasted little time getting going. Dustin Pedroia hit a solo home run in the first to get the Sox on the board. In the second, Josh Reddick, filling in for JD Drew, got his first major league hit with a double. Later, Reddick added his second double, going 2-4 on the night.

In the fourth, Kevin Youkilis added another solo home run to put the Sox up 2-0; his second home run of the series. The Red Sox loaded the bases for the second time of the game, but a Jed Lowrie ground out ended the that opportunity. In total, the Red Sox left 15 runners on base.

After two failed bunts, Jacoby Ellsbury singled to lead off the sixth. After Pedroia advanced him, Ellsbury stole third for his 48th stolen base of the year. The newly acquired Victor Martinez singled, scoring Ellsbury. It was Martinez’s first hit as a member of the Red Sox. Boston would later go up 4-0 on a pinch hit double from Rocco Baldelli, scoring Martinez.

On the other hand, the Orioles couldn’t produce much offense at all. Starter Josh Beckett went seven innings and gave up six hits with five strikeouts en route to his major league leading 13th win.

The Sox were able to subdue any O’s surge. Anytime Baltimore had two runners on base, Boston’s defense came up big, as the team was able to turn three double plays to get out of the jams. After getting the first two batters on base in three consecutive innings, Daniel Bard finished the ninth by retiring the side in nine pitches.

With the win, and a Yankees loss, the Sox are now a half game behind New York in the AL East. The Sox will go for the sweep against the O’s on Sunday.

Sox Stud of the Game

Kevin Youkilis went 4-4 on the night with a solo homerun. He currently is batting .309

Well That Was Weird

In the ninth, with Jason Vartiek on third and Jed Lowrie on first, Ellsbury hit a grounder to first, and Aubrey Huff tagged the base. Huff then went to throw out V-tek going home. Caught in a run down, Varitek had an opportunity to go back to third on an overthrow. The problem was that Lowrie already made his was to third. With no other option, Varitek was thrown out shortly after strolling towards home.

Say What!?!?

“It’s an honor,” said new Red Sox Victor Martinez. “It’s an honor for me just to wear that Boston uniform. It’s something great.”

News and Notes:

WP: Beckett (13-4)
LP: Hernandez (3-3)

• 49,384 at Camden Yards, the largest on hand for the season and 3rd largest all time.
• Jason Bay left the game before the sixth inning with a strained hamstring.
• The Red Sox converted double plays in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings.

Tags: Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Bay, Jed Lowrie, Josh Beckett, Josh Reddick, Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, Victor Martinez

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