Good Ole Mother Nature!

Good ole Mother Nature!  She finally cooperated!  Well sort of anyways, as the rain held off the just long enough for the last night’s game to become official.  As the Boston Red Sox grabbed the 9-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, in a rain shortened 6 inning contest.  After being postponed on Friday and with the weather once again looking bleak.  It’s a miracle they were even able to play six, as the two clubs had to endure a 2 hour rain delay before the first pitch was thrown on the evening. 

When the game eventually got underway after the delay it was time for Josh Beckett (15-6) to start the Sox off on the right note.  And that’s just what he did!  As Beckett tossed a complete game four hitter, striking out 4 and walking only one on the night, over the five innings.  The victory was his first in the month of September, and his first since back on the 12th of August verse the Tigers. 

Beckett’s performance was exactly what the Sox needed since they were able to avoid going to the bullpen.  Which is exactly what was needed as it keeps the Boston pen nice and rested, going into today’s doubleheader.  So with the Sox and Rays scheduled to play two this afternoon and the Boston bullpen rested after having three straight days off.  It now gives the Sox manager Terry Francona the option of using any member of the relief core at any given time.