Game Preview: Colorado @ Sox GM3

Francis (5-5, 3.81) vs. Beckett (9-0, 2.88)
Fenway Park 7EST

The Sox will try to put the memory of last night's 10-run debacle behind them, and they have just the right person on the mound to do it.

That's because Josh Beckett has picked up right where he left off before going on the DL May 19th; in three starts since his stint, Becks is 2-0 and has allowed 8 runs in 21.1 innings with 20 strikeouts and just four walks, and four of those runs came in a no decision against the Stanks.

Last time out Beckett was awesome, shutting down the D-backs on five hits and two earned runs with eight Ks and no walks over eight innings in a 10-3 Boston win. Tonight he probably won't need to be as dominant, but the way the Rocks hitters swung the bats against Schilling last night, he's gonna have to be pretty damn good.

Just like last night the Sox will be facing a pitcher who won't be making an All Star roster any time soon. Although rangy lefty Jeff Francis has pitched much better of late (4-1, 7 ERs in his last 36 innings) than he did earlier in the season (18ER in his previous 33.2IP), he's still the type of pitcher that a team like Boston should eat for lunch.

But the way no-name starters have had career performances against Boston in the last week or so, who knows what will happen.

Still, my money is on Beckett getting win #10 against no defeats and climbing to within four of Clemens' team record.

Unless Jeff Francis tosses a no-hitter, or something freaky like that happens.