ARLINGTON, Texas (Reuters) - Pitcher C.J. Wilson and the Texas Rangers took full advantage of an ailing Boston team in a breezy 4-0 shutout victory over the Red Sox on Monday.
Wilson cruised through 6-2/3 scoreless innings and faced few concerns against a Boston lineup missing a majority of their dangerous hitters to improve his record to 13-5 for the season.
"To pitch well against a good team, to get some runs, it's a big deal," Wilson told reporters. "I'm happy with the game for a lot of reasons, but getting a win and getting a shutout for the team was big."
While the game could be considered a potential preview of an American League post-season match-up, a very different Boston team is likely to be on the field against the Rangers if they meet in the playoffs.
The Red Sox were again without Jacoby Ellsbury (back), David Ortiz, who has not played since August 14 due to bursitis in his right heel, and Kevin Youkilis, who is also on the disabled list with a back injury.
With their offense impaired, Boston (77-50) managed just four hits and fell one game behind the New York Yankees in the AL East.
The Rangers (74-55) scored the game's opening run in the third then pulled clear with a three-run blast from Mike Napoli in the sixth to seal the win and extend their American League West lead to 4- games.
Red Sox starter Erik Bedard (4-9) allowed four runs in six innings to remain winless since Boston acquired the left-hander in a trade with Seattle last month.
Bedard has not won a start since June 15, though even when he was playing at his best it may not have been good enough to match Wilson on Monday.
"When we've had our full lineup (Wilson has) gone through us," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
"I don't know that you can make an excuse. His stuff is just filthy."
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien/Greg Stutchbury)
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