ALDS Game 1: Red Sox vs Angels

Josh Beckett turned in a masterful performance in Game 1, leading the Red Sox to victory. It was arguably one of his best performances of the season as he went 9 innings, allowed only 4 hits, and struck out 8. Beckett was also very efficient, throwing only 108 pitches.

Meanwhile, John Lackey's well-documented struggles at Fenway Park continued early in the game. Kevin Youkilis started things off for the Red Sox with a solo homerun in the 1st inning. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez followed with hits, but the Red Sox were unable to put any more runs across. Lackey held the Red Sox scoreless in the 2nd inning as well, but David Ortiz connected on a 2-run homerun in the 3rd. Manny Ramirez followed it with a single and ended up scoring to make it 4-0 Red Sox.

After the 3rd inning, the Red Sox were only able to collect one more hit (a single off of Lackey's glove by JD Drew), but they didn't need any more offense as Beckett cruised to a Game 1 victory.

Defensive replacement Jacoby Ellsbury made a very nice play in Left Field in the 9th inning. Ellsbury had taken over for Manny Ramirez.

The win gives the Red Sox a 1-0 series lead.