Beckett, Tek Keep Sox in 1st

The Sox were able to gain a split of the 4-game series in Minnesota Thursday thanks to the second straight great start from Josh Beckett and two Jason Varitek home runs.

Beckett went 7 innings allowing just a 2nd-inning solo home run to Joe Crede while striking out 8. This follows his dominant 8-inning performance against the Mets last weekend. Hopefully this is the Beckett we will see the rest of the season.

Tek made sure Beckett's solid outing wouldn't be wasted this time with two big home runs. His shot in the 5th tied it at 1-1 and his mammoth blast in the 7th that went into the upper deck over the baggie in right was the game-winner.

BOX SCORE: Red Sox 3, Twins 1

The Captain also stuck up for his pitcher in the bottom of the 7th after two terrible calls by home plate umpire Todd Tichenor. Tek popped up from behind the plate and got in Tichenor's face to argue the balls. He was rightfully tossed from the game, but enabled Beckett to finish the inning.

Tichenor, who is a Triple-A ump filling in for the day, also tossed Terry Francona on the play and had throw out Twins catcher Mike Redmond and Manager Ron Gardenhire in the top of the 7th after they argued a blown call he made on a sac fly.

Hideki Okajima was outstanding again pitching a scoreless 8th and Paps got back on track to get the save.

Jacoby Ellsbury had his 22-game hitting streak snapped, but Ells still reached base on a hit-by-pitch and continues to hit the ball hard.

David Ortiz looked pathetic at the plate once again and showed his frustration after striking out in the 6th by breaking the bat over his knee.

I think the Sox need to give him one more week to show some life and they it's time to come up with a mysterious injury that puts him on the DL so they can send him back to Florida for extended spring training.

That would probably be better than going to the minors because if he gets sent down and can't hit minor-league pitching that could be devastating. Sadly, I don't think we're ever going to see the Big Papi we've all come to know and love over the past five years.