The Boston Red Sox needed a big performance from their pitching staff, and got one before a nationally televised audience Sunday night as they won their first series of the season, 2-1 over the New York Yankees.
Pitcher Josh Beckett was masterful, going eight innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10 batters. The win was the finest performance this season by any Red Sox pitcher.
It also marked the first time a Red Sox starter this season did not to allow a single run in a start.
Boston banged out 12 hits and stranded as many as 15 runners on base. Three times the Red Sox had bases loaded in the game and only once were they able to come away with anything: a two-run double by shortstop Marco Scutaro to add insurance runs to what had been a 1-0 lead most of the night.
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon pitched a save-less ninth inning, striking out two and putting the finishing touches on a 4-0 shutout win of the Yankees.
New York was without Alex Rodriguez, who was scratched just before the game started due to flu-like symptoms. Eric Chavez, the six-time Gold Glover with the Oakland Athletics filled in and banged out one of New York's two hits.
In the end, the Red Sox series clinching win was easily, their biggest win of the young season.
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