Beckett gets Back to Business as Sox Extend Lead

31-year-old right-hander Josh Beckett made his return to the mound Friday night in Boston, going six gutsy innings against the rays to earn his 13th win of the year.  Boston’s 4-3 victory pushed their edge in the wild card race to four games over Tampa.

It was a game that had just a touch of playoff atmosphere, perhaps in part to the brisk New England evening.  And with the Red Sox desperate to halt the surging Rays at least for a moment, Josh Beckett was just good enough to shut them down.

The Red Sox ace scattered seven hits, allowing two earned runs, and struck out seven.  Beckett gunned his way through the bottom half of the Tampa order, allowing just one hit from the 5-9 spots.

The only real issues Josh faced last night were Desmond Jennings and Evan Longoria.  Jennings went 3-4 while Longoria went 2-3, including a first inning two-run homer that just cleared the green monster.  It was actually a pretty good pitch – Longoria just did a good job staying back on a breaking-ball.

Jennings started off the game with a bunt single on Beckett’s very first offering, and Boston fans should have been pleased with the way their pitcher sprung after the ball.  He did end up making a wild throw on the play allowing Jennings to take second, but the point is the ankle appeared to be just fine as he was hustling on the play.

Beckett injured his right ankle, which is the one he pushes off of the rubber with during his delivery.  At no point during his outing did he appear to be grimacing or showing any signs of discomfort.  The lengthened layoff also didn’t seem to bother his location – he only walked one batter and it was intentionally(Longoria).

So for those teams and fan bases that were hoping Beckett would remain dinged up and on the shelf, it’s not happening.  Beckett looked pretty solid last night, and it appears he’ll be ready to go in the playoffs, as long as the Red Sox can dispose of the Rays.