Tigers - Red Sox Recap

Following a 6 game losing streak, the Red Sox are suddenly white hot against the Detroit Tigers. Lead by the suddenly scorching bats of Mike Lowell and Jason Bay, the Red Sox pounded out 8 runs and 11 hits on the way to an comfortable 8-2 victory. Josh Beckett was dominant in picking up his major league leading 14th win.

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, thanks to a first pitch home run by Mike Lowell in the second inning. It was Lowell’s third home run in the last two games.

Dustin Pedroia started a two out rally in the third, carving a double down the right field line, just short of Pesky’s pole. Jason Bay followed with a line drive blast over the Green Monster to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead. Red Sox skipper Terry Francona was all smiles when asked about Bay’s recent hitting prowess.


"When Jason gets hot, as you can see, it's not just singles," Boston manager Terry Francona said. "He starts driving the ball all over the park and, boy, what a different team we look like."

Josh Beckett was razor sharp early, setting down the first 11 Tigers hitters, before a two out walk in the top of the 4th inning. Beckett displayed outstanding command of his fastball, throwing 80% of his fastballs for strikes. The fastball command allowed him to use his curve ball to finish off the Detroit hitters.

On the days Josh is pitching, we really feel like we have a chance to win," Bay said. "You feel like on some days it might take only one run, or two."

Carlos Guillen broke up Beckett’s no hit bid in the top of the 5th inning, as he led off the inning with blast into the right field bleachers. The solo shot came on an inside cut fastball that caught a bit too much of the plate. Marcus Thames hit a solo shot off of Beckett in the 7th inning for the Tigers’ only other run.

The Red Sox put the game away for good in the bottom of the 5th inning, scoring 5 runs on a series of singles, walks and an error to extend their lead to 8-1.


Notes

• Jason Bay has 4 home runs in his last 5 games, after hitting just 1 home run in his previous 21 games
• Tigers star Miguel Cabrera was not in the lineup after being hit by a pitch in Tuesday’s game. He isn’t expected to miss much time.
• Mike Lowell has gone 5 for 7, with 3 HR’s and 5 RBI’s so far in the series.
• Zach Miner made his 4th start of the year, replacing Armando Galarraga who was unable to start due to a sore throat. Miner gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in 4.2 innings.
• Boston improved to 6-0 against Detroit. They've won 7 straight meetings overall dating back to last season.