Becket Spectacular in Red Sox Win over Yanks; Hamels Rebounds for 3-0 Philly Victory

Players of the Day for Sunday, April 10, 2011

American League

Josh Beckett

It would appear that all the worries about Josh Beckett and the demise of the Boston Red Sox have been grossly overstated, especially since the BoSox ace shut down the mighty Yankees Sunday night, hurling a 2-hit shutout over eight innings, paving the way for a 4-0 Boston triumph.

Beckett, coming off a 6-6 season in 2010 and losing his first start, 3-1, just five days ago, had complete command of the mound, all his pitches and the opposing Yankees. He allowed two hits and a walk over the first four innings, but set down the final 14 batters he face in order, racking up 10 Ks along the way. Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth - a non-save situation - and retired the Yankees in order.

The win was just the third of the season for Boston, but the second in three days over their arch-rivals, an important matter to both New York and Boston fans.

National League

Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels got roughed up in his first start of the season, allowing seven hits and six runs in a 7-1 loss to the Mets, lasting only 2 2/3 innings. But, like most quality starters, he came back strong for the Phillies, hurling seven solid shutout innings in a 3-0 win at Atlanta.

Hamels gave up just 4 hits, walked one and struck out 8 Atlanta batters, not allowing a hit until a one-out double by Nate McLouth in the 4th inning. After escaping from 2-out, 2-on jams in both the 6th and 7th innings, Hamels surrendered the ball to the Phillies' capable bullpen.

Ryan Madsen worked a scoreless 8th inning and Jose Contreras picked up his second save of the season with a perfect 9th inning.

The Phillies are off to a hot, 7-2, start, with a 2-game bulge over the Marlins in the NL East.