Game 1: How good is Josh Beckett?
by Randy Booth on Apr 7, 2009 7:52 PM EDT
in Game Stories
19 comments
For a photo gallery of today's game, click here.
Hello, Rays. Meet Josh Beckett. The new and improved version.
Yeah, he was pretty good last year, but as you saw today, he's gotten even better. Beckett went seven innings in the Sox opener, allowed just two hits, one run, walked three and struck out 10.
Mr. Money.
Despite a rough inning by both Hideki Okajima and Justin Masterson in relief, the Red Sox held on for a 5-3 win. Jonathan Papelbon earned the save with a two-strikeout 9th inning.
Providing the offense was a handful of players, including Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek who both hit solo home runs. Don't adjust your computer screen -- yes, I said Varitek. Jason Bay, J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell each had RBIs to round out the score.
Don't be fooled: this was a statement game. Beckett wasn't happy leaving the playoffs early last year and he was going to let the Rays know that today. Other than a rough 4th inning, Beckett painted the corners all day and his stuff was just filthy. Just ask Carlos Pena who struck out three times against Beckett (and once more against Masterson).
The offense looked very solid today, outside of Jacoby Ellsbury who did not reach base. Every other starter had at least one hit, while Kevin Youkilis notched two for himself. Personally, I was excited every time the middle of the lineup came to bat. How great is it to see Youkilis come up and then to be followed by bats like Drew, Bay and Lowell? Is there a hole in this lineup? I don't see one as of yet.
For the Rays, James Shields did not show his best stuff. The Sox tagged him for five hits and nine runs before he exited with one out in the 6th inning. His ERA stands at a solid 8.44 on the season.
Tomorrow it's Jon Lester versus Scott Kazmir at 7:10 p.m.
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WICKED BECKETT
Yeah, very impressive tonight he was. Smokin’ fastballs, painting corners and even breakers with heat! Awesome performance through 7 from the first pitch! Great first win in ’09 for him and the Sox.
by Tats on Apr 7, 2009 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope these bandwagon all of a sudden Devil ray fans realize that had Beckett and Lowell not been hurt last October, the ALCS would have turned out completely different.
We are a better team, and the Rays bullpen will suck this year, back to reality in 2009 TB.
by matzushocka45 on Apr 7, 2009 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shh... I need people to ride on.
As much as I hate them, I need them.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on Apr 7, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Beckett gets results this year like in 2007 we will win the WS, no question.
by BTLove on Apr 7, 2009 10:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice to see the win
Hey guys, I’ve been very busy and everything, too much going on with my life right now. But you guys are still fucking great, and GO SOX!
"Hey we got a lot in common here... I'm gonna rape you"
by MerryGoByeBye on Apr 7, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hope everything's going well.
Hurry back!
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on Apr 7, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you MLB Extra Innings
Shame on ESPN for not keeping their commitment to this game and televising it regardless of its postponement. Fortunately, for those of us not in NE area, MLB Extra Innings runs the first week for free every season and I still got to watch this epic season opener.
Though Beckett seemed to lose his command for a little bit there, he regained it quickly, completely seeming to baffle guys like Carlos Pena with his number of different pitches. I do not remember his curve ever looking this sharp last year (is that just me?) so this could be a “comeback” year for Beckkkkkkkkkkett. :)
by west coast red sox on Apr 7, 2009 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
great to see a
super effective, pumped up Beckett. But, guys-this is ONE game. We need to whole staff to be effective, starting with Lester, who jumped 80+ innings last year and has 9 walks in his last 9 ST games. I am holding my breath and hoping that he is not Verduccied. I would love to see Jon go out and plow through the Rays like he did last year (in the regular season).
by Buzzy on Apr 8, 2009 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll take 9 walks in 9 games. Did you mean innings?
by Randy Booth on Apr 8, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would too,
I meant to say 9 bb in last 9 inning, yes :-).
by Buzzy on Apr 8, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's all good
I think Lester will be able to take the win today. Yesterday got ‘em all amped up so they will take Kazmir down. I’m more lookin to see what Jacoby is gonna do today i hope he hits something.
by jongarcia003 on Apr 8, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let’s hope the history of the Sox being unable to figure out lefties will not be a problem this season.
by Randy Booth on Apr 8, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You might see Baldelli in CF (or RF for Drew)
Rocco rakes lefties.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Apr 8, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a great game
And what a great way to start the season. I’m looking forward to watching this team.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
by SoxDevil on Apr 8, 2009 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
www.LiveBaseballChat.com
Feel free to join us at 7pm tonight Wednesday the 8th at www.LiveBaseballChat.com
It’s a new site where baseball fans can chat with each other live during the games.
Cheers,
Dean
by dean.collins on Apr 8, 2009 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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