Free Fallin' - Beckett, Sox Lose 8-3

Josh Beckett never made it through the 3rd inning, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park. Beckett's line was 2.1 innings, 7 runs (all earned) on 7 hits including 2 home runs, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. It was no surprise that Beckett was booed off the field when manager Bobby Valentine took him out of the game.

Bright spots for the Red Sox were relatively few - Adrian Gonzalez had another multi-hit game (2), and Dustin Pedroia hit his 5th home run of the season in the 7th inning.

The Red Sox bullpen chipped in with 6.2 innings of 1-run relief. Maybe they should be starting.

NOTES - The Red Sox paid tribute to longtime PA announcer Carl Beane by not having anyone announce the game from the press box.

The game saw the return of 2 former Red Sox players - Derek Lowe who won his 5th game of the season, and Johnny Damon who had 1 hit in his 5 at bats.

The Red Sox recalled outfielder Daniel Nava before the game, sending pitcher Clay Mortensen back to Pawtucket.

Sooner or later, someone has to take the hit for what's happening with this team. Blame injuries to key players like Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, Andrew Bailey, etc. Blame the hangover from last September and lingering animosity in the clubhouse. Blame the manager, blame ownership. The season is in danger of getting away from the Red Sox. Something has to give.