Red Sox' Beckett Needs Just One Run, but Offense Gives Him Four

The newly acquired Victor Martinez was pumped up, applauding every double play turned, every hit by his Red Sox teammates, and every big out recorded by pitcher Josh Beckett. He clearly belongs in Boston, as his passion, especially after scoring in the sixth, spoke volumes. (AP Photo/Rob Carr) Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett made it look easy. He baffled the Baltimore Orioles with two pitches: a 96 mph fastball and a 12-6 curveball. That was his repertoire and the opposition, as has been the case all season long, couldn’t handle it. Dustin Pedroia gave him all the offense he would need, socking a solo home-run off the Orioles 24-year old righthander. The Red Sox tried to add some insurance and had multiple chances to do so, especially in the second inning. Jason Bay, who left later in the game with a tight hamstring, led off the frame with a single, then was promptly erased from the basepaths on Jason Varitek’s double-play grounder. Twenty-two year old pros...