Josh Beckett shines as Boston Red Sox defeat Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 – MLB Update
Josh Beckett pitched the first one-hitter of his career on Wednesday, June 15 to lift Boston Red Sox to a prized 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.
Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run homer to level the three-game series.
However, the proud of all was Beckett. "I felt good. They were hitting balls at guys, and that's nice," Beckett said after his fifth career shutout and first complete game since 2009. "When you miss your spot and they still hit it at somebody, it's just
one of those nights."
One night after losing the game by 4-0, the Red Sox charged back with renewed zeal. “That why I think this (race) is going to go back and forth," Rays’ manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't see one team running away and hiding at any point."
Jeremy Hellickson started the game with a one-hitter first inning against the Red Sox offence. While Hellickson was able to pitch a scoreless inning, Josh Beckett was worth watching with the way he entered in the game.
Throughout the closely fought game, both Beckett and Hellickson took on their rival hitters who were barely permitted to go for any hit. Beckett gave up the only hit of the game in the third inning when Birganc had a hit following which he remained simply
unyielding.
Adrian Gonzalez, in the meanwhile, contributed to the three hits out of five the Red Sox offence had on Tuesday. Beckett, in the meanwhile, contributed in retiring eight straight before Brignac had the hit which apparently disappointed the star pitcher.
While things were going slow, Youkilis hit a magnificent three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning, bringing a change in the game and infusing more interest. Youkilis homered to left to give an awaited three run lead to the Red Sox. He played brilliantly
throughout the game, giving a much needed hit for Boston.
Once Youkilis played his share, Beckett then did not spare any hitter representing Tampa Bay one night after they had won by 4-0. The three-run homer of Youkilis prompted change in the pitching line-up of the Rays, while Beckett kept making things difficult.
Adam Russell pitched scoreless a 9th inning against the Red Sox, but Beckett did his magical charm, effectively reducing the whole Rays’ offence into insignificance and winning the game by 3-0 for the Red Sox.
It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox carry their winning momentum into their next match-up. The Rays put in a decent effort, but unfortunately it was not enough to contain the Red Sox offence during the game.
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