Thursday, May 8, 2008

Beckett v. Verlander (Game 37)




Another nice game by Josh Beckett. He made it through seven innings, throwing one hundred and two times. He gave up one run on six hits, didn't walk anyone, and struck out six batters. If he happened to almost get himself into trouble, he did so only after he'd already gotten a couple of outs. As much as I enjoy making fun of Josh Beckett, he really is very good at what he does.


Craig Hansen and Manny Del were tonight's relievers. Craig Hansen pitched the eighth inning and did a good job of it. On twelve pitches, he got two ground outs and a pop out. Manny Delcarmen pitched the ninth inning and had to have been pleased with his performance. He did give up a hit but he also got a strike out. On eleven pitches, he got the first batter to strike out, the second to ground out, the third hit a single to left, and the last batter flew out to Coco.


The Red Sox offense got started in the second inning. Mike Lowell hit a single and Drew followed that up with a single of his own. They both then moved up on a passed ball. Varitek knocked them both in with a single and then took second on the throw. Coco bunted. Lugo got hit by a pitch and then Ellsbury had a sacrifice fly to bring in Varitek for the first out of the inning. The inning ended with Pedroia flying out and Ortiz striking out.


The only other inning they scored in was the fifth. Ellsbury started it off with a single. Both Pedroia and Ortiz flied out to left behind him. Youkilis then hit a home run, to score two more runs. Lowell ended it by flying out to left.


Not to suggest that Theo and co. should think about moving Youkilis but-given the way he's performed at Comerica Park, the Tigers would be smart to consider moving hell and high water to get him for their team. He hit another home run tonight, his third in two days and his seventh of the season. Especially considering that they don't have a real first baseman.

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