Red Sox win on Opening Day

Boy did Josh Beckett come out firing! He even left the field with a 94-mph heater on the inside corner that Gabe Gross didn’t even try to take a swing at. During an Opening Day that Red Sox players and coaches dreamed off, no one was stood out more than Beckett. He brought back visions of 2007 with a dominant demonstration of power pitching in a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon.

This Opening Day win doesn’t take the sting out of losing Game 7 of the ALCS to the Rays. However, Beckett could be a difference maker of the Red Sox wanting to take back the AL East throne from the Rays.

Beckett gave up two hits and a run in today’s outing, walked three, and struck out 10 over seven innings. He threw 93 pitches--61 strikes. Everything seemed to be working well for the Ace.

Even though it was a day late, following yesterday’s rainout, it was a very satisfying way to open the 2009 Red Sox season at Fenway, the first since 2002.

Offensively, the Red Sox got an early lead when 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia hit a solo home run into the Monster Seats against James Shields. With the Rays coming back to tie the game, nothing was raining on the Sox parade.

Jason Varitek gave the Fenway Faithful something to cheer about. In the sixth inning his hit a solo home run around Pesky’s Pole. The Rays tried to rally against Okajima and Materson but it just wasn’t enough.

Next game for the Red Sox is tomorrow night, with 1st pitch taking place at 7:10pm/eastern time. It will be on NESN and ESPN2. Jon Lester gets the start for the Red Sox, while the Rays will start Scott Kazmir.

GO BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!