Red Sox-Mariners

Thanks to great pitching from Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, and the bullpen, the Sox swept the Royals and beat the Rangers today in a makeup game from June 10. Lester combined with Jonathan Papelbon on a one-hitter in beating the Royals 1-0 on Tuesday. Beckett came back on Wednesday and combined with Paps on a 1-0 victory. Schilling wasn't great today in beating the Rangers but he was gutsy enough to get the W. More great news for the Sox: Beckett and the Sox announced after his win that they had come to terms on a deal that will keep the 26-year-old in Boston through 2009 with an option for 2010. Even more great news: David Wells rehab continues to go well and he could return in the first week of August ... just in time to give the Sox the starting pitching boost they have been craving. Now for some bad news: Tim Wakefield, who lasted only 4-innings against Kansas City on Tuesday, went on the DL with a stress fracture in his ribs that will cost him at least a month. On Friday the Sox open a three game set in Seattle. Kyle Snyder (1-1, 10.03) goes for the Sox against grizzled veteran Jamie Moyer (5-8, 3.75). The M's get the advantage in this one. On Saturday afternoon, the Sox will face Seattle's phenom, Felix Hernandez (8-8, 4.89). Don't be fooled by the stats, "King Felix" is the real deal. The Sox have yet to name a starter, although the team seems to be looking to Pawtucket starter Kason Gabbard to fill in for Wake, unless Theo makes a deal beforehand. On Sunday, Jon Lester (5-0, 2.38), coming off his 8-inning, one-hit performance on Tuesday, faces Jarrod Washburn (4-10, 4.41). This looks like the one game, on paper, that Boston has the advantage. Bad matchups or not, the Sox need to find a way to scratch out two wins in Seattle as the Yankees don't seem to be going away any time soon.