Lowell Blasts Sox Past Indians
Mike Lowell returned from the disabled list with a smash, crushing a two-run homer over the Green Monster in the second inning. Bill Hall added a solo shot later and the Red Sox beat the Indians 3-1. Josh Beckett cruised through seven innings for his second straight win.
The righty was dominant, matching a season-high with eight strikeouts. He allowed just three hits and didn't walk anybody. Beckett totaled just 103 pitches, throwing 64 strikes. He did hit two batters which led to some fireworks late in the game.
After watching Beckett hit Shelley Duncan in the first inning and Shin-Soo Choo in the third, Justin Germano retaliated by throwing behind Sox slugger David Ortiz in the seventh inning. The festivities didn't end there because Jensen Lewis wanted to send his own message. Cleveland's hard-throwing reliever did the same to Adrian Beltre leading off the eighth. That drew players from both dugouts and bullpens for a meeting of the minds on the field.
Nothing came of the gathering except for some mild shouting matches, including one between Tribe third base coach Steve Smith and Boston manager Terry Francona. Lewis was thrown out and the game continued without any further disruption. Jonathan Papelbon closed out the Indians with a perfect ninth. The Sox picked up a game on the Yankees in the wild card while remaining six and a half back of the Rays who now lead the AL East. Jon Lester goes against former Red Sox pitcher Justin Masterson tomorrow night.
Youkilis Out, Ellsbury Near Return
Lowell's spectacular return coincided with Kevin Youkilis' departure to the disabled list. Francona said before the game that the Red Sox medical staff is still searching for some answers when it comes to the first baseman's thumb injury. Youkilis could need just the 15 days to get ready or could require season-ending surgery.
The team also is preparing to bring Jacoby Ellsbury back into the fold. The speedy outfielder's missed almost every game after an early April collision with Adrian Beltre. Ellsbury had three hits for Pawtucket in a Triple-A game earlier today and the team expects to activate him soon.
Bruins Sign Seguin
The Bruins locked up another big key to the future by signing second overall pick Tyler Seguin to an entry-level contract. Though the team did not release any details, sources say it's similar to the deal that the Oilers gave top pick Taylor Hall, which pays him the maximum of 900,000 dollars a year and almost another $4 million in potential bonuses. According to GM Peter Chiarelli, Seguin is working out on the wing right now, but very easily play his natural center position as well.
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