Josh Beckett tries to make it two straight wins this game series with the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Beckett won for the first time in three decisions and five starts on Thursday in Kansas City, as he held the Royals to three runs and seven hits in seven innings. He also struck out four without walking a batter and improved to 10-5 on the year to go along with a 2.46 earned run average.
"Josh did what he's done all year," reliever Daniel Bard told the team's official website. "He battled and gave us seven good innings."
Beckett, though, has struggled against the Rangers in his career, going 2-2 with a 5.53 ERA in seven starts.
The Red Sox moved back into a tie with the New York Yankees atop the American League East standings on Tuesday, as Adrian Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI, powering Boston to an 11-5 victory. Marco Scutaro drove in three runs during the 14-hit attack and Dustin Pedroia added a two- run double for the Red Sox, who won for the fourth time in six games.
"I was able to get some extension to hit those home runs," Gonzalez said. "It was a good game for us."
John Lackey (12-9) was the recipient of the run support, earning the win after giving up four runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Josh Hamilton homered and added a run-scoring sacrifice fly and Ian Kinsler tacked on a solo shot for AL West-leading Texas, which has dropped three of four overall.
Colby Lewis (11-9) was shelled for seven runs on nine hits in a six-inning start to take the loss.
"When [the Red Sox] had runners on I made some mistakes, and they took advantage," Lewis said.
Getting the call for the Rangers tonight will be left-handed Matt Harrison, who is 10-8 with a 3.28 ERA. Harrison did not get a decision on Friday in Chicago, as the White Sox reached him for four runs (three earned) and four hits in 4 1/3 innings of the Rangers' 7-4 win.
Harrison beat the Red Sox the last time he faced them and is 2-0 with a 5.68 ERA in five games (three starts) against them. He's also 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his last six starts at Rangers Ballpark
On the injury front, the Red Sox are expected to have designated hitter David Ortiz back in the lineup this evening. Ortiz, who hasn't played since Aug. 14 because of right heel bursitis, is hitting .300 with 24 home runs and 79 RBI.
Texas swept a three-game set from the Red Sox to start the season.
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