News
Beckett looks to get back on track
Boston (79-57) at Chicago (68-70), 2:05 p.m. ET
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
09/06/09 8:37 PM ET
CHICAGO -- The seventh and final game of this road trip will not only determine whether it is a winning or losing journey, but more importantly, it could be a sign of whether Josh Beckett is ready to get his groove back.The ace is one of the most vital components the Red Sox have, but he's struggled of late, going 0-2 with an 8.88 ERA in his past four starts, giving up four home runs in the process.
But there was an encouraging sign last time out in that Beckett didn't allow an earned run over his final four innings.
In a compelling pitching matchup, Beckett will be opposed by Mark Buehrle, who pitched a perfect game on July 23.
Though the Red Sox lead by three games in the Wild Card standings despite Beckett's recent slump, they know that they need the right-hander in top form to achieve their ultimate goals.
"It would be huge. I think it would be a great way not only to split this series after losing the first two, but get Josh into that mode -- that stopper guy," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I don't believe that he's the pitcher of the last four starts. I believe he's more the one who dominated. I guess [Monday] would be a great day [for a rebound]."
There has been no chance in Beckett's demeanor in between starts. As usual, he is antsy to take the ball at a time the team needs him.
"I think he's excited," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "It's a big game and I think he's real excited to pitch. I think he always is."
The Red Sox opened this road trip by taking two out of three against Tampa Bay. They lost the first two in Chicago before riding Jon Lester to a 6-1 win on Sunday. Now it is up to Beckett to make it a 4-3 road trip.
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.87 ERA)
The right-hander is in a tailspin, going 0-2 with an 8.88 ERA over his past four starts. The skid has included 12 home runs allowed. Before those four starts, Beckett had reeled off an 18-start run in which he went 12-2 with a 2.17 ERA. Lifetime against the White Sox, Beckett is 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA in five starts. Beckett did finish strong in his previous start with three scoreless innings. Overall, he gave up five runs (four earned) over six innings against the Rays, walking none and striking out nine. CWS: LHP Mark Buehrle (11-7, 3.86 ERA)
Make it eight consecutive starts without a victory for Buehrle since his perfect game on July 23. But including Wednesday's effort at the Metrodome, Buehrle has at least made three succesive quality starts. Against Minnesota, the lefty gave up two runs on seven hits over six innings, striking out two, and ended up with a no-decision after the White Sox rallied for four runs. Buehrle was the one White Sox starter who did not face the Red Sox during a four-game series that began at Fenway Park on Aug. 24, during which Chicago lost three times. He has a 5-5 career mark against Boston, with a 7-4 record at U.S. Cellular Field this season.
Tidbits
The Red Sox are 20-9 against the American League Central this season. ... Lowell has 15 RBIs in his past 19 games. ... David Ortiz is 2-for-22 on the road trip, but he has a history of success against Buehrle, hitting .354 with two homers and seven RBIs in 54 at-bats. ... Once Jason Bay (98 RBIs) reaches the 100-plateau, he will join a distinguished list of Red Sox left fielders who have had 30-100 seasons. The others? Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and Manny Ramirez.
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• NESN, MLBN On radio
• WEEI 850, SBN 1150 (Español) Up next
• Tuesday: Red Sox (Clay Buchholz, 4-3, 4.40) vs. Orioles (David Hernandez, 4-6, 4.54), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Red Sox (Paul Byrd, 1-1, 7.56) vs. Orioles (Jason Berken, 4-11, 6.07), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Off-day
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
