Boston begins August on winning note
But Josh Beckett loses again -- what's up with Josh?!?
July 30-Aug. 1, 2004
Depending on how the playoff brackets shape up – I’ve just learned OOTP5 may pit the wild card team against an opponent in its own division in the AL and NLCS – this could be a preview of the first round of playoff action.
Boston wins this series 2-1, overcoming a few more offensive and defensive struggles. Josh Beckett is horrid yet again, but Aaron Sele continues his workman-like ways, improving to 4-0!
Here’s the lowdown from the Metrodome:
Game 1: Minnesota 7, Boston 6. Chants of “Over-rated! Over-rated!” fill the Dome as the Twins hammer Sox pitcher Josh Beckett. The new acquired hurler is feeling the heat after giving up seven runs in the first three innings alone.
In a bold move, manager Terry Francona sticks with Beckett after that point. He calms down and pitches a scoreless fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Maybe that will restore his confidence…
WP: J. Santana (8-0)… LP: Josh Beckett (12-7)… S: J Nathan (17)
NOTES: Josh Beckett is 2-3 in six starts since coming over to the AL… He’s surrendered 26 runs and 43 hits during that time (37 innings pitched). Ouch… By the way, Pedro Martinez is due back from the DL in 1-2 weeks… Can’t wait!!
Game 2: Boston 3, Minnesota 1. Derek Lowe is masterful again, throwing a four-hitter over seven innings to improve to 15-2. You’ve got to include Mr. Lowe in any Cy Young talk at this point…
Boston has 11 hits but can only plate three runs. Hot-hitting Bill Mueller is 3-for-5…
WP: D. Lowe (15-2) – 10 wins in the last 11 starts!!… LP: M. Hendrickson (6-5)… S: K. Foulke (22)… MVP: D. Lowe…
Game 3: Boston 6, Minnesota 2. You’ve just got to love Aaron Sele. No one wanted the 34-year-old at the beginning of the year. Boston came calling in early July just to fill Pedro’s spot until Martinez is back from the DL. All Sele has done is go 4-0 in six starts (including two wins in Yankee Stadium).
His ERA is 4.85. In this one, Sele gives up two runs, and the bullpen holds together for him.
WP: Aaron Sele (4-0)… LP: Brad Radke (16-5)… MVP: Johnny Damon, who leads off with a home run and adds another 2-RBI double later on… Sele is Francona’s MVP for keeping Boston in games – and outdueling All-Star pitcher Radke…
Up Next: We’ll look at standings and leaders heading into August.