No No-No for Josh Beckett

June 4, 2009

Sorry Josh.  You had the stuff man, but my boy Curtis Granderson didn’t feel like going hitless for the night.

Josh Beckett was smoking hot last night.  He had it all going on.  He had a fastball that was clocking in at… well, I don’t know how fast it was but it was dominant.  His curveball was filthy and his offense was giving him run support.  All looked to be going well for him.  So after about five innings, I start to notice that Mr. Beckett has a no-no going so far.  He hasn’t given up a single hit to any of the Tiger batters.  It’s about time Beckett has had an extremely dominant start. 

Now, I’m not saying he hasn’t been good for the Sox this season, because he has, but his stuff that he used to have- his almost unhittable fastball, a nasty breaking ball, and just overall smarts for the game- hasn’t necessarily been there all year.  He’s had some very good starts so far this season and has been a big part of the Red Sox success.  But last night, he was pitching probably the best I’ve seen him pitch all season. 

So back to last night’s game.  He was STELLAR through six innings of work giving up only two walks.  He struck out a handful of guys and were just making guys look foolish at the plate.  Staring at curveballs that just plopped right into the strikezone.  He was just nasty. 

So along rolls the game and we get into the seventh inning.  Beckett continues to pitch well and, my boy, Curtis Granderson steps up to the plate.  Here is the current status of the inning. 

• Two outs.
• Runner on first.
• 2-1 count.

Josh Beckett threw a fastball with some tailing action that comes back in on Granderson and Granderson lined it into right field.  The first hit of the game.  Now, Granderson’s last at-bat ended in a strikeout as Beckett through a nasty pitch that just tailed back onto the plate, similar to the pitch that Granderson hit for the game’s first hit.  Maybe that hit was payback for the strikeout???

Beckett still had a great game despite not throwing the no-no.  I mean, c’mon.  A no-no is extremley hard to throw.  So many pitchers have had great games after their possible no-no, or even perfect game, was ruined.  Earlier this week, Joba Chamberlain was pitching agaisnt the Indians.  He was absolutely STELLAR as well.  His fastball was dominant and his curve was also dominant.  He had a perfect game going through four but gave up a homer to Victor Martinez.  It happens.  And last season, the Red Sox’s own Curt Schilling was one out away from a no-no when he gave up a single to Shannon Stewart.  It ruined his game but he still had an excellent performance.  It happens.  It’s hard to throw a no-no or a perfect game.  You still had a good outing though, didn’t you?  Think about that.

Beckett ended the game having pitched 7.2 innings, striking out nine, and only allowing two hits and two walks.  His performance helped the Red Sox defeat the Tigers 10-5.  And isn’t that what every player’s job is?  To help their team win.  I’m pretty sure it is. 

Now, my boy Curtis Granderson ended the game with some big stats.  He went 2-4 with a base clearing triple.  He was great. 

The effort from Josh Beckett was fantastic.  I always like to see guys in the MLB who work hard, and every day until they retire.  They are the true baseball players.  Beckett is one of the best in the business.  He’s always working hard.  And despite that Red Sox uniform he wheres, I still appreciate his hard work and his great play.  It is what makes the MLB great.  It’s what makes baseball great. 

-Dillon

Written by mlblogsdillonm Posted in Dailies Tagged with Curt Schilling, Curtis Granderson, Indians, Joba Chamberlain, Josh Beckett, MLB, Red Sox, Tigers, Victor Martinez