Sox Spank Yanks for Fifth Straight Win

The Red Sox, assisted by two errors from Alex Rodriguez and one by Melky Cabrera, chased Randy Johnson early last night as Josh Beckett continued his dominance of the Yankees in a 14-3 Boston win that leaves the Sox in sole possession of first place.  The win was Boston's fifth straight, and the 16-hit attack was a season high for the Sox.

After having some trouble early and giving up a 2-run home run on a 3-2 pitch to Jason Giambi in the first, Beckett settled down to retire the next 12 batters in order.  Beckett finished the game with 7 IP, 3 ER, and 7 K, bringing his record this season to 4-1.  Johnson, meanwhile, struggled for the fourth time in five starts, lasting just 3-2/3 innings and giving up 7 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, 5 walks, and 2 wild pitches.  New York's $16 million per year hurler has an ERA of 5.01 on the season and was booed roundly by the New York fans as he left the mound last night.

The Sox offense featured a balanced attack.  Ramirez connected off Aaron Small for his sixth homer of the year in the 6th, following Alex Gonzalez's 3-run shot off Small in the 5th.  Gonzalez's home run was his first since August 5, 2005 with Florida.  Mark Loretta contributed 3 hits and 2 RBI, while Mike Lowell hit his Major League-leading 18th and 19th doubles and scored 2 runs.  Lowell's last eight hits have all been doubles.  He leads the Sox with a .339 average and is second to Ortiz (.576) with a .557 slugging percentage.

Boston has now scored 176 runs while allowing 153 this season, as the offense is finally starting to come alive.  Look for this trend to continue.  This team has the punch to hit with anybody.

The Red Sox stand at 20-12 and face the Yankees again tonight in the Stadium as ace Curt Schilling (5-1, 3.02) goes for his 198th career win against Mike Mussina (5-1, 2.35).