Josh Beckett struck out seven Royals’ hitters in less than seven innings of work and Jason Bay is finding a new home with the Red Sox as he led his new team with a four hit night and two RBI as the Royals lose 8-2.
After giving up a run in the first inning, Beckett motored through the Royals lineup hitting his spots with his 94 mph fastball and mixing in his breaking balls to keep Kansas City off balance.
It’s also easier to pitch when your offensive keeps the other teams starter pitcher on the ropes and that was the case again for Brian Bannister who again continues to throw too many balls. While he only walked two and struck out an amazingly high three hitters (he’s not a strikeout pitcher and I say that sarcastically), he could only make it through four innings leaving after having allowed three runs.
The real damage came in the sixth and seventh innings when Leo Nunez got nailed for five runs, three earned to give the Red Sox the win going away.
Download/listen to Royals postgame (mp3)
