Sox win slug-off with Jays

-- Pitching was not a factor in Monday's matchup with the Blue Jays, as the game was an absolute, old-fashioned slugfest.

Thankfully the Sox hitters ended up on the worthier side of that shootout, prevailing 13-12 on the road in Toronto. Jason Varitek had a big day at the plate, collecting 4 RBIs on 3 of the Sox's 18 hits. Former Blue Jay Marco Scutaro also was a big contributor with 3 hits, 1 RBI, and 4 scored runs against his prior team.

Josh Beckett, however, did not have a great day on the mound – not even lasting 4 innings. Beck allowed 9 hits, including a 3-run homer, and 8 runs in 3 and 1/3 innings.


Yay's:
- I'm telling you, Jason Varitek is clutch. When his back is up against the wall, and the bat is in his hands or there's a play at the plate – he make the play every time. This is a guy who was the team captain for years, and was as good as benched to begin the season. As evidence of some miscommunication between Beckett and Victor Martinez arose, it became obvious that Tek was still needed in a certain role. However in that limited role he has bloomed and slugged an amazing percentage.

Each game he plays I more and more would like Francona to entertain the idea of Tek behind the dish and Martinez as a DH.

- The bullpen stepped up this game with Delcarmen and Bard combining for 3 innings, no hits, and only 1 run. Okajima gave up three hits and a run before he had to be rescued by Bard in the 7th. Papelbon then finished it off again, to collect his 6th save of the year


Nay's:
- Beckett did mostly just have an off night where hitters just tore the seams of the ball, but he also gave up a lot of walks which turned into runs – a bad pattern to see when your are 1-0 in five starts with a 7.22 ERA so far

- Of all the Sox marathon games this season, this one was the longest at just over 4.5 hours in length
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