Josh Beckett became the first major leaguer to win 15 games and flirted with his third career shutout in the 6-2 win.
He fell one out short.
Beckett pitched for 8 2/3 innings, taking a five-hitter into the ninth giving up eight hits, two runs, walking none, and striking out eight on 115 pitches (81 for strikes).
It took an RBI single by Miguel Tejada and an RBI double by Kevin Millar to usher out Beckett in the bottom of the ninth inning. Manny Delcarmen walked Aubrey Huff and was relieved by Jonathan Papelbon who got Melvin Mora to pop out to second completing a one out save that counted for his 27th of the season.
J.D. Drew had a big day going 3-5 and Julio Lugo was 2-3 with two RBI’s and a walk.
Lugo doubled in the second scoring Jason Varitek and Drew giving Boston an early 2-0 lead.
Boston continued to put runs on the scoreboard while Beckett blew through the Orioles lineup.
Drew singled to left field scoring Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell adding another duece to the scoreboard making it 4-0.
Dustin Pedroia notched an RBI single in the eighth and Kevin Youkilis drew a walk with the bases loaded giving Boston a 6-0 lead.
Garrett Olson (1-1) picked up the loss pitching 6 1/3 innings, letting up eight hits, four runs, walking six, and striking out six in the process.
Beckett improved his road record to 8-1 this season and has a 1.65 ERA to boot.
