Beckett, Sox Sink Halos
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by Smmonroe2
Josh Beckett took care of business in his first playoff appearance as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Beckett pitched a complete game shutout to lead the Red Sox to a 4-0 victory in game 1 of the ALDS against the LA Angels last night at Fenway Park. Josh Beckett out pitched John Lackey in what was advertised as a pitchers' duel. Beckett went 9 innings allowing just 4 hits, no walks, no runs, and striking out 8. While John Lackey continued his struggles against the Red Sox going 6 innings allowing 4 earned runs, 9 hits, two of which were homeruns, giving up 2 walks and striking out 2.
Kevin Youkilis hit a monster home run in the first inning which landed in the Monster Seats, to put the Red Sox ahead and they never looked back. The Angels had trouble getting anything going only managing four hits. In the third inning, David Ortiz hit a two run homer to put the Sox up 3-0. Manny Ramirez then singled and hustled to second on a pitch that just barely skipped away from the Angel catcher Mike Napoli. Mike Lowell took advantage of Manny being on second and brought him home on a shallow single up the middle, not many people expected Manny to score, but he hustled around and was safe by a mile.
From then on, Beckett was untouchable, retiring 19 straight batters at one point. Both teams have a day off to prepare for Friday night's game that pins Daisuke Matsuzaka against Kelvim Escobar.
