O's in Giving Mood, Sox Take It

It's nice to get a few breaks sometimes. The Orioles played defense like they had nine Julio Lugo's in the field in the 13th inning and gifted the Sox a win Friday night that they'll gladly take.

Baltimore made four errors in the game, including three in the 13th allowing the Sox to get three unearned runs and steal Game 1 of the 4-game series.

Mike Lowell had a good night going 3 for 5 and driving in the game-winning run with a double that scored Manny. Ellsbury was all over the bases with three hits and three steals, giving him 23 on the season - one behind the MLB leaders.

BOX SCORE: Red Sox 5, Orioles 2 (13 innings)

Josh Beckett looked good for most of the night, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and striking out 10 in 6 innings. He had to throw 118 pitches though to get through the 6 innings and walked the bases loaded before escaping the jam to end the 6th. He's still throwing a lot of pitches and giving up too many home runs which is a concern.

J.D. Drew missed another game. It is being reported that he has vertigo. The team doesn't seem to be concerned, but I'm wondering why. Vertigo is what ended Nick Esasky's career and has turned David Duval from one of the best golfers in the world to a guy who struggle to stay on the PGA Tour. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

The bullpen pitched pretty well with the exception of Timlin who actually got the win despite giving up a hit and 2 walks in his 1 inning of work. Okajima and Hansen looked good as did Papelbon who was overpowering in the 13th to close it out.