vlaze.com

Josh Beckett earned the victory last Saturday against the Yankees pitching 6 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and striking out 5 Yankees batters. Beckett looked much better in his outing against the Yankees than he did in his first start at Toronto. Beckett had been hampered by a lower back strain that prevented the big right-hander from traveling with the team to Japan and Oakland. Beckett has had no ill effects from the injury since returning to the Sox rotation. Mussina was roughed up in his start against Boston last Saturday allowing 4 runs and 8 hits over 5 1/3rd innings. Right-handers are hitting .395 against Mussina this season. Yankee manager Joe Girardi faced a decision last Saturday with two on and first base open whether or not to allow Mussina pitch to Manny Ramirez. Girardi opted to pitch to Manny and Ramirez belted a two run double that was the difference in the ball game. Mussina has lost a lot on his fastball and Red Sox hitters should tee off on his again. Beckett is rounding into good form and the Red Sox are the play at –130.