Game 98: M's 1 Sox 3

Exciting game from start to finish! Mariner's sent rookie starter Blake Beavan to the mound against Beckett and he did everything he could to keep up. Beckett pitched very well per his norm this year, giving up only one run on a home run to Carp in the top of the 7th. Beavan was in line for the win but ended up fatiguing with two outs in the bottom of the inning and gave up 2 runs on 3 consecutive hits before getting pulled. The third run came on a wild pitch by reliever Laffey.

In the top of the 8th, the Mariners loaded the bases with no outs against Bard on a single, a walk, and a close play at third on the sac bunt (he was out). But he wiggles his way out of it with a short pop up to Crawford, a K, and a ground ball out to Youkilis. In the ninth, the Mariners had the tying run at the plate after Olivo led off with a bloop single but Papelbon got the save on a foul out by Ichiro, a pop out by Ryan (in a long, tough at bat), and a strikeout of Ackley who had been 3-4 on the day before ending the game.

Ellsbury continued to hit the ball well with 2 hits. It was his two run single that gave the Sox the lead and he scored the insurance run as well. Pedroia extended his streak to 20 games with 2 hits. Youkilis and Reddick were the only starters without a hit although Youkilis had some very hard hit balls.

Going for the sweep this afternoon!