Tribe topples Red Sox, Closes in On record!

The Cleveland Indians (79-77) did something they could not do a year ago on Monday night as they defeated nemesis Josh Beckett (12-10) and kept the Boston Red Sox from clinching a playoff berth. Beckett allowed 4 runs in six innings in taking the loss. Ben Fransisco doubled twice off him, Asdrubal Cabrera was 2 of 3 with an RBI on a bases loaded walk and Jamey Carroll as well as the red-hot Shin-Soo Choo drove in runs in the 4-3 win. Beckett hit three Indians. The three hit batters brought the season total to 99 and the next Tribe player to get plunked will tie the major league record set by the 1997 Houston Astros. Zack Jackson (1-3) who came over in the C.C.Sabathia deal from Milwaukee picked up his first win with the Tribe as he pitched two run ball for six innings. David Ortiz homered off the left hander and Kevin Youkilis drove in the first run. The sox had a couple chances to win it. In the seventh inning Rafael Betancourt struck out Jed Lowrie with the bases loaded in a 4-3 game. Jensen Lewis came in in the ninth inning and struck out the pesky Dustin Pedroia as well as retiring David Ortiz before Youkilis who is now 5 of 6 career against Lewis singled and then Jason Bay doubled in the corner to put runners at second and third. Jed Lowrie struck out to end the game as Lewis notched his 12th save in 13 chances. The two teams will battle again Tuesday at Fenway Park as Tim Wakefield will oppose Cliff Lee. Lee will be looking for his 23rd win of the season. First pitch is set for 7:05. A Red Sox win would clinch a playoff berth.