Saturday, June 20, 2009

Beckett Blanks Braves; Harris, Nats Stun Jays

Players of the Day for Saturday, June 20, 2009 American League Need an explanation for the Red Sox being 3 games in front in the AL East with the best record in the American League? How about Josh Beckett, who twirled a 5-hit, complete game shutout on Saturday as Boston slipped past the Braves, 3-0, at Fenway Park. Beckett (8-3) was at the top of his game, striking out 7 batters without walking any and using just 94 pitches (67 strikes) for his 6th career complete game and 3rd career shutout. After a slow start, Beckett has recorded wins in 6 of his last 7 decisions. National League The Washington Nationals won their 4th straight - all on the road - for their longest winning streak of the season, knocking off Toronto, 5-3, in 12 innings. The Nats have been getting quality pitching during their run, but on Saturday, it was Willie Harris' timely hitting that carried the day. Harris doubled and scored the Nationals' first run in the 5th inning, and persevered, delivering a game-winning, two-run home run in the top of the 12th, his first long ball of the season. The Nats will look to extend their season-high win streak to five games on Sunday in Toronto. They will also be looking for their first series sweep of the season. Ironically, the Blue Jays just finished off a sweep of the AL East first place Phillies before the last place Nationals came to town.

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