Josh Beckett had another dreadful outing in Thursday's 10-9 loss to Texas.
Beckett surrendered eight runs, including three homers, on eight hits and two walks with just two strikeouts. He continued the annoying trend of Red Sox starters' inability to perform in the 1st inning, as he walked the leadoff hitter, and allowed a steal and a bunt single before giving up a triple to Josh Hamilton. A sac fly promptly gave the Rangers three runs, well on their way to victory.
The Sox offense didn't give in. Boston got two runs in the 1st, and answered the bell throughout the game as the Rangers continued to score. Adrian Gonzalez continued his hot streak with three doubles. The rest of the heart of the order slugged as well, as Dustin Pedroia and Cody Ross had a pair of hits apiece. The top moment of the game (for the Sox) came from a Will Middlebrooks homer in the 7th to tie the game.
Clayton Mortensen pitched workmanlike long relief over three innings, but Bobby V. stretched him too long. Entering the 9th tied at nine, Mortensen walked the leadoff hitter Elvis Andrus, gave up a single to Josh Hamilton, and then allowed Adrian Beltre to put the ball in the air and drive Andrus is on a sac fly. Alfredo Aceves relieved Mortensen, but it was too late at that point.
Joe Nathan allowed a double to Cody Ross in the 9th, but stranded him there by striking out Middlebrooks and Ryan Lavarnway to convert his 21st consecutive save.
The Sox dropped to 9.5 out of first, and have a 29-34 record when fans serenade them with "Sweet Caroline."
