Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Beckett Buries Yanks; Ethier, Dodgers Continue to Roll

Players of the Day for Tuesday, June 9, 2009 American League The Yankees and Red Sox renewed their storied rivalry Tuesday night at Fenway Park, the two battling for first place in the AL East. By the time it was over, the message was clear: Josh Beckett remains a big-game pitcher, as he 1-hit the Yanks over 6 innings, striking out 8 to lead the Red Sox to a 7-0 win and a tie for the division lead. Beckett (7-2) issued two walks and threw just 93 pitches< he obviously could have gone deeper, having allowed just one baserunner past first and setting down the last seven Yankees in order, but, with the game not in question, opted for an early out allowing the bullpen to mop up. The Red Sox and Yankees continue their three game series Wednesday and Thursday in Boston. National League The LA Dodgers continued their domination over the rest of their division with a 6-4 victory over San Diego. Andre Ethier paced the offense with a pair of solo home runs as Chad Billingsley and 4 relievers managed the Padres' hitters. Ethier's shots came in the first and third innings, with the latter giving the Dodgers an early 3-2 lead. After the Padres tied the score in the top of the fifth, Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson launched solo bombs to give the Dodgers the lead for good. Ethier is having a productive season, with 11 home runs and 37 RBI. The Dodgers have the largest edge of any division leader, at 8 1/2 games over the San Francisco Giants and a 26-9 record against NL West opponents.

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